Makai Lemon is listed as top 15 prospect in 2026 NFL draft
Makai Lemon is the most dangerous receiver after the catch in this 2026 NFL draft class. It's why he will be off the board in the top 15
Teams in the 2026 NFL draft are looking a home run player who can make explosive plays every game. That threat is a game changer at the skill positions. Makai Lemon was that kind of player last season at USC.
The Trojans had one of the most explosive offenses in the country last season, and Makai Lemon was at the forefront of that. In a breakdown of his top 100 prospects, analyst Rob Rang has Makai Lemon listed as the No. 15 prospect for this upcoming draft.
Here is why Rang believes Lemon is the second-best receiver in this draft class: "Lemon reminds me a lot of Golden Tate, a dynamic run-after-the-catch weapon who played 11 years in the NFL. Like the 5-foot-11, 197-pound Tate, Lemon is a difficult matchup for cornerbacks because of a compact, almost RB-like frame to go with dynamic speed and top-notch ball skills. " In the NFL today, offenses are trying to be more and more explosive each season, and players who can be effective after the catch are the most attractive players in the draft.
Right now, there is not a receiver that can do that better than Lemon, and his physical nature makes him even more dangerous with the ball in his hands. His skill set makes him the perfect fit for just about any NFL offense. As sure a prospect at the receiver position as it gets.