Dolphins conduct top-30 visit with top wide receiver prospect in 2026 NFL Draft
Dolphins are interested in Makai Lemon, but would they use pick #11 on the receiver?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 12: Makai Lemon #6 of the USC Trojans runs after the catch during USC Pro Day at Allyson Felix Field at Katherine B. Loker Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images In a somewhat under the radar move from late last week, the Miami Dolphins conducted a top-30 visit with Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon at the official USC Pro Day on March 12th.
Lemon — a top pass catcher in this year’s selection process — would need to be selected by the Dolphins (if he were still available) at pick #11 in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is why most fans didn’t raise an eyebrow when the news broke last Thursday. Last Thursday, the Miami Dolphins still employed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Well, as we all know, yesterday, the Miami Dolphins traded the number #6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — Waddle — to the Denver Broncos for a first round pick (30th overall), third round pick and fourth round pick in this year’s draft.
They included their own fourth round pick in the return Denver received. As a result, the Dolphins are left with a wide receiver room that is bereft of top-end talent. Suddenly, Miami taking Lemon at pick #11 becomes a more believable scenario.
Lemon played three seasons with the Trojans from 2023 through 2025. In that time, he totaled 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns — including a 79 catch, 1,156 yard season last year that also saw the wide receiver nab 11 touchdown receptions while winning the Biletnikoff Award given to the nation’s top wideout. While at the NFL Combine, Lemon’s media availabilities rubbed some the wrong way, however NFL teams don’t seem to be dissuaded by the receiver’s strange demeanor.