Wide receivers have become instant impact players in the NFL Draft. Former USC wide receiver Makai Lemon could be the next instant impact player in the NFL. Lemon is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Now, USC fans should be fired up about Lemon's latest comparison, giving him comps to former USC receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, according to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.
“USC’s Makai Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award as the country’s top receiver in 2025. He’s a stocky 5-11, 192-pounder who is the next in a long line of standout Trojan wideouts, and he draws comparisons to former USC star-turned NFL star Amon-Ra St. Brown. Neither guy has prototype size or will run a 40 in the 4.3s, but both are extremely savvy and quicker than fast. Lemon looks more like a running back than a receiver,” Feldman wrote.
Lemon was dominant in his last two seasons at USC. In 2024, he played in 12 games, while starting six. He brought in 52 receptions for 764 yards and three scores. Lemon then exploded onto the scene in 2025. He started 11 games and appeared in 12, bringing in 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 scores. He also scored twice on the ground on his way to winning the Biletnikoff Award.
Tony Villani of XPE Sports, who has worked with players such as Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Travis Kelce, also spoke to Feldman about what he sees in Lemon.
“When we talked about Lemon, he showed me a freeze-frame from a video of the USC star doing a shuttle run. Villani was almost in awe of Lemon’s ability to be in a position — crouched so low while changing direction without losing much speed — that it helps explain why he’s so gifted at getting open and making people miss. Lemon didn’t test in Indy, but he shone in the on-field workout, effortlessly getting in and out of his cuts,” reported Feldman.
According to the latest mock draft from ESPN, Lemon is projected as the 12th overall selection to the New York Jets, after the Jets and Dallas Cowboys trade draft picks.
The NFL Draft starts with the first round on April 23, where Lemon is expected to hear his name called.
