Ht/Wt:5'11"/195 lbs
Position: WR
School: USC
Class: Junior

Makai Lemon's Player Profile

Makai Lemon is a dynamic, route?savvy wide receiver from USC whose game is built on crisp footwork, quickness out of his breaks, and the ability to separate from defenders at multiple levels of the field. He excels in the intermediate seams, slants, and crossers, where his ability to stack and sudden changes of direction create easy completions and after?the?catch opportunities, while also showing flashes as a downfield threat when he can win clean releases off the line. His precise route?running and reliable hands make him an attractive fit for offenses that emphasize timing, spacing, and built?in concepts, where his ability to hit predetermined landmarks can take pressure off the quarterback and enhance the efficiency of the passing game.

Strengths: Lemon’s biggest strengths are his advanced route?running and his ability to create separation in tight windows, traits that give him a high floor as a dependable possession receiver and secondary target.

Weaknesses: His biggest weaknesses are his somewhat limited size and physical profile, which can make it harder for him to win contested catches and dominate in the red zone, and his occasional need for a cleaner release off the line, as he can be held up at the snap by press coverage that matches his physicality.

Mel Kiper - ESPN - January 21st: "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."

Walt - Walter Football- January 20th: "Makai Lemon wins on contested catches even though he’s a bit shy of six feet."

Gordon McGinness - PFF - January 19th: "The USC star logged an 81.0 PFF receiving grade against man coverage, caught 66.7% of contested targets and dropped just 2.5% of the catchable targets thrown his way this season."

Josh Edwards - CBS Sports - January 19th: "Makai Lemon is a smaller slot receiver who is grounded through the catch."

NFL Draft Buzz- January: "Lemon's transition to the pro level should be smoother than most receiver prospects given his technical foundation and proven ability to separate consistently. His separation ability against college competition indicates he understands how to create windows, while his route-running precision suggests he can handle the increased complexity of NFL defensive schemes."


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