Makai Lemon, WR, USC
In Tampa Bay, the NFL Draft starts and ends with general manager Jason Licht. He spent five years with the Philadelphia Eagles (2003–07), first serving as the club’s assistant director of player personnel before being promoted to vice president of player personnel for his final two seasons. He took over the general manager role in Tampa Bay in 2014 and has proven himself to be an excellent evaluator of NFL talent. All 38 of Licht’s first- through sixth-round draft picks from 2019–24 was on an NFL roster during the 2024 season, and the Buccaneers are the only team to have every such pick remain in the NFL over that span. His 2025 first-round pick, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, followed by cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in Rounds 2 and 3, appears to make that a solid class as well.
Mike Evans was his 1st selection in 2014 with the 7th overall pick. Evans began his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons. The only other wide receiver in NFL history to accomplish that feat is Hall of Famer Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers. Speaking of the 49ers, they signed Evans away from the Buccaneers this offseason. In addition to Evans, the Bucs also lost 14-year veteran Lavonte David to retirement. For those who may not remember, David was one of the standout linebackers—along with Bobby Wagner—whom Howie Roseman passed on in favor of selecting Mychal Kendricks in 2012. Even the best decision-makers are human. Cornerback Jamel Dean was also lost in free agency to the Steelers.
Licht somewhat prepared for losing Dean in last year’s draft by selecting Morrison and Parrish. His free-agent signing of linebacker Alex Anzalone (Detroit) should help offset the loss of David.
The Bucs like many teams, lack depth in a few areas. Edge, TE could use a better starter despite resigning Cade Otten this offseason. Losing Evans is a problem for any receiving core, On the surface Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillen appear to be sufficient. But with Godwin entering year 10 and only playing 16 games in the last 2 years and McMullen returned to play only 4 games last year after a serious neck injury. I believe wide receiver is actually a need position also.
I feel that Licht’s decision with the board looking as it does, it’s Keldric Faulk or Makai Lemon. Three of his 5 most recent 1st round picks have been DL with only one hitting. I’m taking what I believe is a better option for success this season.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
2025: Won the Biletnikoff Award (nation’s top WR).
Key Combine & Pro Day Stats (2026)
- Height: 5’ 11 1/8”
- Weight: 192 lbs
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.46s–4.50s
- Production Score: 91 (1st among WRs)
- Athleticism Score: 85/99 (3rd among WRs)
Key Collegiate Stats (USC)
- 2025 Season: 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, 11 TDs
- 2024 Season: 52 receptions, 764 yards, 3 TDs
- Career Total (33 Games): 137 receptions, 2,008 yards, 14 TDs
- Drops: Only 3 drops on 175 targets over his final two seasons
- Contested Catch Rate: 81.8% (89th percentile)
By Lance Zierlein:
NFL comp — Amon-Ra St. Brown
Overview
High-skill, high-volume slot receiver with average size but extraordinary ball skills. Lemon has room for refinement, but not much. He’s intelligent, confident and polished with the ability to make plays on all three levels. Tempo-driven route-runner who misdirects man coverage and separates out of turns but is fairly average after the catch. Quicker than fast, featuring early acceleration to open seam throws but flashes late burst when needed. More play strength is needed for NFL press and he needs to avoid rushing through multi-breaking routes. He’s an exceptional ball-tracker with excellent catch timing and few focus drops. He wins more combat catches than he loses. Lemon is a plug-and-play, quarterback-friendly talent with first-round value and Pro Bowl upside.
Some of the key components I’ve found about Lemon’s game he’s a dynamic and versatile football player whose skill set reflects both natural athletic ability and a strong understanding of the game. One of his most noticeable strengths is his speed. Lemon demonstrates impressive acceleration off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to create separation from defenders quickly.
Lemon’s hands are another key component of his skill set. He displays reliable catching ability, securing passes both in stride and in contested situations. His focus and hand-eye coordination allow him to track the ball well, even when defenders are nearby. He is comfortable catching passes at different levels, whether it’s a short route across the middle or a deeper throw downfield.
Football intelligence is another area where Lemon stands out. He has a strong awareness of the field and understands how to read defensive coverages and adjust his positioning accordingly. This allows him to find open spaces and become a consistent target for his quarterback.
Finally, Lemon’s work ethic and competitive mindset elevate his overall performance. He plays with intensity and determination, consistently giving effort on every play. His drive to improve and contribute to his team’s success is evident in his preparation and execution on the field.
Overall, Makai Lemon is a well-rounded football player whose combination of speed, agility, reliable hands, and strong football IQ make him a significant impact player.
2026 BGN Mock Draft Order
1) Raiders (Mailata_in_a_Miata): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2) Jets (Dr.MidnightGreen): Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
3) Cardinals (grantspectations): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
4) Titans (DrBubbles): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5) Giants (ablesser88): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
6) Browns (kjb304): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
7) Commanders (Jerry Robinson 56): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
8) Saints (VetStadiumSection358): David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
9) Chiefs (Hoosinole): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10) Bengals (chuckelberryfinn): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
11) Dolphins (phillyfan): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
12) Cowboys (ejdubya): Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
13) Rams (All_Hail_Howie): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
14) Ravens (215T1LL1D1e): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15) Buccaneers (pascofljoe): Makai Lemon, WR, USC
16) Jets (Euegene11)
17) Lions (BCHaas)
18) Vikings (The Player Formerly Known as Mousecop)
19) Panthers (LancGuy)
20) Cowboys (Cravin’ LeBlanc)
21) Steelers (iam4theBirdz)
22) Chargers (Aint1stULast)
23) Eagles (Philly21)
24) Browns (FierceDisc65)
25) Bears (jazztafari)
26) Bills (PhillyTexan)
27) 49ers (granthill7)
28) Texans (CrackTheEaglesNut)
29) Chiefs (z)
30) Dolphins (Booth12)
31) Patriots (Niels Rosenquist)
32) Seahawks (J. Wil)
Now it’s YOUR TURN to vote for who you think should be selected with this pick.
1) Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza
2) Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese
3) Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa
4) Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love
5) Giants: LB Sonny Styles
6) Browns: WR Carnell Tate
7) Commanders: EDGE David Bailey
8) Saints: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
9) Chiefs: S Caleb Downs
10) Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane
11) Dolphins: WR Jordyn Tyson
12) Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy
13) Rams: WR Makai Lemon
14) Ravens: OT Monroe Freeling
15) Buccaneers:
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