The 2026 NFL Draft begins tonight! This is a look at where former USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is most likely to get drafted. You can bet on the NFL Draft on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Makai Lemon Draft Profile
Makai Lemon is one of the most unique prospects in this draft class. Not only does he have a unique playing style, but he also has an eccentric personality off the field. That is not unusual among draft prospects, particularly at the wide receiver position. Many great receivers, going back to Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, and as recently as Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyreek Hill, have big personalities that can sometimes rub people the wrong way. However, Lemon is an exceptional talent who is capable of being the best wide receiver in this class. He is an incredible athlete and produced at an incredibly high-level over the past two seasons at USC.
When will Makai Lemon get drafted?
Makai Lemon is expected to be a mid-first-round draft pick. Heading into draft day, Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson separated themselves as the clear top-tier receiver prospects in the class. How early Lemon goes could depend on how early those two go. If Tate and Tyson are both picked inside the top 10, that will open the door for a team to move in on Lemon sooner than expected. There is also a chance a team loves a player like KC Concepion or Omar Cooper Jr. and takes them ahead of Lemon. However, the most likely outcome is that Lemon goes as high as the Dolphins at No. 11 or as low as the Panthers at No. 19.
Which team will draft Makai Lemon?
There is a lot that could shake up the wide receiver market in the 2026 NFL Draft. There are a lot of really talented receivers in this class, but not a clear No. 1 prospect. How quickly teams move on receivers will mean a lot, but expect teams to be bullish on this class. Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson should both be top 10 picks, opening the door for someone to take Makai Lemon before his over/under draft position of 14.5. The Dolphins at No. 11 and the Ravens at No. 14 are two spots where Lemon could end up. That is why I am rolling with the under 14.5 for Lemon’s draft position.
