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Makai Lemon

WR

USC

Projected

1st Rd

Height

5'11"

Weight

195 lbs

Age

21.8

Year

Jr.

Games

29

Snaps

1,175

Scheme

TBD

Role

Slot

CompsMiller: TBDDraftBuzz: Jahan DotsonWF: Jahan Dotson.Ringer: Doug BaldwinNFL.com: Amon-Ra St. BrownBleacher Report: Amon Ra—St. Brown
Round ProjectionsBrugler: TBDDraftBuzz: 1ST - MIDBleacher Report: 1st RoundThe Draft Network: Round 2

Player Summary

A Playmaking slot reciever with some ability to line up outside. He's got the short area burst to create seperation, combined with strong route running savvy to keep defenders guessing. His competitiveness, ball tracking, and high point ability maximize his otherwise limited catch radius. Despite his size, has extremely strong, sure hands that makes him an ideal 50-50 ball receiver. Some mixed feedback on YAC ability, likely that his burst, competitiveness, and open-space playmaking give him real big play potential every down, but size and lack of elite speed limit the opportunities. Overall, a true high end slot guy who can start day 1 and offer real value in the return game.

Strengths

• Elite Grip Strength, Uber-Reliable • Instinctual Playmaker • Elite Ball Tracking, Timing, Focus • Ideal Competitive Mentality • High End Burst, Acceleration • Big Play Potential After The Catch • Very Polished Route Runner • True ST Contributor

Weaknesses

• Average Size, Largely Limited to Slot • More Quick Than Fast • Struggles Against Press • Limited Catch Radius

Accolades

• 2025 Biletnikoff Winner • 2024 All Big 10 HM

PFF Scores

2025 Grade90.8
2024 Grade83.9
2023 Grade67.6
ADOT10.4
Drop %2.5
Deep Yards522
Touchdowns11
Elusiveness33
Grade vs Man81
YAC/Reception6.4
Contested Catch66.7
Receiving Grade91.4
Yards/ Routes Run3.13
Missed Tkls Forced21

Athletic Testing

RAS
Hand Size
Arm Length
MetricResultScore
Bench
Broad
3 Cone
Height
Weight
40 Time
10 Split
20 Split
Vertical
Size
Speed
Agility
Explosive

Overall Rankings

Bleacher Report#12
Brugler#14
CBS#18
DraftBuzz#14
DraftTek#16
ESPN#15
Kiper#11
Miller#21
NFL.com#7
PFF#9
The Draft Network#45
Walter#40

POS Rankings

Bleacher Report#3
Brugler#3
CBS#3
DraftBuzz#3
DraftTek
ESPN#3
Kiper
Miller
NFL.com
PFF#2
The Draft Network#9
Walter#7

ADP

Brugler#16
Campbell#27
CBS#16
Jeremiah#13
Kiper#14
Lance#16
McShay#16
Miller#16
NFL.com#6
PFF#14
Reid#13
Tankathon#16
TDN#19
TWSN#5
Walter#20
Yates#14

Site Ratings

24/7 Sports97
Bleacher Report8.1
Draft Buzz89
ESPN90
GridironTBD
NFL.com6.70
Rivals6.0

NFL Score Breakdown

Prospect Grade6.70

Year 1 Starter

Production91

2026 Combine WR Rank: 1st

Athleticism70

2026 Combine WR Rank: 30th

Total85

2026 Combine WR Rank: 3rd

DraftBuzz Grades

Hands92.00
Blocking65.00
Med Routes94.00
Deep Threat96.00
QBR When Tgtd125.40
Short Receiving93.00

Injury History

Head

Recovery: 1 GameYear: 2024

Hamstring

Recovery: Pre-SeasonYear: 2025

Snap Alignments

Alignment
2025Career
Slot
283535
Wide
112161