Mel Kiper lists Makai Lemon as No. 11 prospect for 2026 NFL draft
· Yahoo Sports
The more time that goes by and the closer the 2026 NFL draft gets, it seems USC football star Makai Lemon is held in high regard by just about every expert. The former Trojan and the Biletnikoff Award winner this past season will definitely hear his name called within the first 20 picks. That is a refreshing sight for the Trojans. In last year's draft class, it wasn't until the fourth round that a USC player was selected.
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Mel Kiper in his recent prospect rankings and his breakdown for where he thinks the top prospects will end up going. In his recent article, he has Makai Lemon as the 11th-best prospect, with a chance of being drafted in that range. Here is why he sees that as Lemon's future:
"This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he ranked third in the nation in receiving yards per game in 2025."
Makai Lemon has all the tools and traits for not only a good receiver but an overall good football player. He checks just about every box. Teams will have real conversations on whether or not they will be selecting him or their top need in the first round. Whether or not he becomes an all-time great reciver in the league when his career is all said and done, he still at the evry least is a player that will make an impact for his franchise.
Players like Makai Lemon make a difference early, and they are a player who becomes a foundation for the team. He gives his quarterback confidence and his coach confidence to be able to use him in multiple different facets.
Mel Kiper has the Trojan receiver as the third-best receiver in his draft class. Any team can do no wrong when picking between Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, and Jordan Tyson. Each receiver has their own different elite skill set. Lemon, however, provides more of a Swiss Army Knife ability. He can go up and catch highly contested passes like he is a 6-foot-4 receiver, he is an elite route runner, he is a yards after the catch monster, and he is an overly physical receiver.
Each expert and analyst can agree that Lemon is one of the top 15 players in this draft class. The ceiling appears very high to Lemon, and it is clear to everyone to see it. After this year, I think Lemon will ultimately end up as the best receiver in this class, regardless of where he lands. The special receiver who was in Southern California the last two years will pick up right where he left off from last season with a dominant rookie season.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC's Makai Lemon labeled 11th-best player going into 2026 NFL draft