Makai Lemon is the USC Trojan who will be talked about the most as the buildup for the NFL draft starts. Lemon is coming off a fantastic junior season in which he made a case for himself to be the first receiver taken in this draft class. Scouts may want more, so the scouting combine could be a big day for Makai Lemon. Regardless, he looks like a sure thing to get drafted in the first round.
Dane Brugler with The Athletic broke down his top 100 prospects in the upcoming NFL draft, and only one Trojan cracked the list at 14: Lemon. Here are his thoughts on Lemon:
“Given the USC connection, the Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons feel too on the nose — but they also fit like a glove.
Lemon lacks top-tier physical traits, but there are multiple throws on each USC tape when the quarterback makes a “my guy is better than your guy” decision and puts the ball in a spot for Lemon to go get it. More times than not, he proves the QB right.”
A lot of teams would take Amon-Ra St. Brown in a heartbeat. He is a difference maker and as reliable as it gets. He has had a huge part in changing things around in Detroit. Makai Lemon can replicate that, wherever he lands. He is as tough as it gets, plays bigger than he is, and he can be a 1k-yard receiver as a rookie.
Lemon would be the perfect complement for a young quarterback, as the trust he built with Jayden Maiava was a sight to see this season. He would be a perfect fit with an older veteran quarterback like Matthew Stafford, perhaps, because even with how young he is, he still is a true professional.
Any team that has one of its biggest needs being a receiver should not hesitate to take Lemon. As good as Lemon is, there will be teams that will think about taking Lemon with bigger needs than receiver. Makai Lemon is the best player available. It will be fun to watch all the predictions for where he lands, but there should be no doubt that this guy will be a baller when he finds his NFL home.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Makai Lemon is listed as top 100 prospect for 2026 NFL draft
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
