Makai Lemon — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

In a draft full of competitive ball-winners, Lemon is one of the best. He plays bigger than his listed size (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) and is pro-ready.

We're still not reaching for a quarterback, instead going with a "best player available" pick with one of my favorite players in the class. Lemon caught 79 passes with only one drop on 110 targets last season, scoring 11 touchdowns and averaging almost 100 yards per game. Lemon doesn't have elite measurables at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, but he's similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown in his toughness and ability to make plays across the middle and on underneath routes. The Jets have a talented young receiver in Garrett Wilson but need to build out the wide receiver room around him. With two picks coming in Round 2, the Jets have the draft capital to address more needs with high picks.

Lemon, who also excels as a returner, is a dynamic, versatile receiver with explosive burst, top-tier route running and exceptional YAC ability, making him a threat at all three levels of the field. He excels in space and consistently creates separation with quickness, balance and body control, and has the tackle-breaking ability to turn short gains into big plays.

It's not often we see Lemon as the top wide receiver in a mock draft, but I am making a bit of a statement here because I think he should be right there in the conversation with Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson. I have Tyson as my WR1, but if the Giants aren't comfortable with his injury history, especially amid Malik Nabers' recovery from an ACL tear, they could look elsewhere. Lemon earned a 91.4 PFF receiving grade overall and an 81.3 PFF receiving grade versus single coverage this past season.

No college football pass catcher displayed better hands, route running or toughness than Lemon, who won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. Perhaps his dimensions (5-11, 195) won't wow scouts, but his production and intangibles are top-shelf. He was the reason USC won nine games this season and would be a gift for Matthew Stafford and company.

The spectacular slot receiver from USC would add some juice to a passing game that desperately needs it. Lemon's ability to turn short passes into long gains should help whoever plays QB for the Jets produce more explosive plays, especially if the team utilizes a quick-rhythm passing attack.

The Rams value tough, rugged receivers who are also playmakers. It would almost be unfair to add Lemon to an offense that already includes Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.