The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching fast and league scouts are solidifying their big boards. Wide Receiver Makai Lemon could be among the players who hear their name called early in Pittsburgh this week when the NFL welcomes its newest class of rookies.
USA TODAY Sports has all the latest on where the prospect out of USC may land.
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Here’s how USA TODAY’s latest mock draft currently projects draft day will play out for the former college star.
Makai Lemon 2026 NFL Draft prediction: Pick No. 11 overall, Miami Dolphins
Nate Davis’ Fit Analysis:
WR Jaylen Waddle’s departure leaves a massive hole in the Fins’ passing game. Lemon would have been worthy of consideration here even prior to Waddle’s trade to Denver after catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs during his final college season. A slot machine extraordinaire, Lemon would immediately provide new Miami QB Malik Willis with a high-volume target and, given the widespread comparisons he draws to fellow former Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown, might also be the kind of culture influencer a rebuilding organization badly needs.
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See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here
Ayrton Ostly’s Big Board Rank: No. 15
Lemon isn’t an impressive athlete and won’t test off the charts at the combine but he has an incredible feel for finding space in coverage and maximizing opportunities. His solid frame (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) should hold up in the slot at the NFL level. He had just two drops in 2025 on 108 targets and a 130.0 quarterback rating when targeted.
See the full big board here
Makai Lemon player profile
All stats from 2025 NCAA Season
When is the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place between April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
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Thursday, April 23: Round 1
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Friday, April 24: Rounds 2-3
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Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7
How to watch the 2026 NFL Draft
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Time: 8 p.m. ET (Round 1); 7 p.m. ET (Rounds 2-3); Noon ET (Rounds 4-7)
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Channels: NFL Network; ESPN; ESPN2; ESPN Deportes
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Streaming: NFL+; ESPN Unlimited & Select; Fubo
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Fans have several options to choose from to watch the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL Network and ESPN will have separate broadcasts, each providing a different analysis of each pick as it happens on draft night.
Cord-cutters can stream the different broadcasts on NFL+, the NFL’s proprietary streaming service; ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited, ESPN’s streaming services; or cable alternative Fubo , which offers a free trial.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Makai Lemon 2026 NFL mock draft: latest prediction for USC Wide Receiver
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