USC NFL Draft Prospect Makai Lemon Taking Key Top 30 Visit

Former USC wide receiver Lemon is back in the conversation as a fringe top-10 pick, with the Miami Dolphins showing strong interest.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a football player in motion, with their body and movements fractured into overlapping planes of cardinal red and gold, conveying the explosive energy and skill of the prospect.Lemon's dynamic playmaking abilities could make him a top draft target for teams seeking an immediate offensive boost.Los Angeles Today

Former USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon is back in the conversation as a fringe top-10 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and his latest visit may have confirmed it. With just over a week until the draft, Lemon is taking a top 30 visit with the Miami Dolphins, who hold the No. 11 overall pick.

Why it matters

After the releasing of star receiver Tyreek Hill and a trade that sent Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, the Dolphins are left with one of the thinnest receiver rooms in the league. That creates a rare opportunity for a rookie to step into immediate volume, and Lemon could be the perfect fit.

The details

Lemon built his profile at USC as an elite middle-of-the-field weapon with high-level route running and reliable hands. Coming off a Biletnikoff award winning season where he finished with 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, Lemon enters the draft as one of the most productive prospects in the class. In Miami, that skillset translates directly to a Day 1 role as a primary option to act as a safety blanket for quarterback Malik Willis.

  • Lemon is taking a top 30 visit with the Miami Dolphins this week, with just over a week until the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award in the 2025 college football season.

The players

Makai Lemon

A former USC Trojans wide receiver who is considered a fringe top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Malik Willis

The Miami Dolphins' quarterback who is entering his first season as a full-time starter.

Tyreek Hill

A star receiver who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins.

Jaylen Waddle

A receiver who was traded by the Miami Dolphins to the Denver Broncos.

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What’s next

With draft day approaching, Makai Lemon may not have a locked-in range, but he doesn't need one. His ability to step in as a Day 1 lead receiver keeps him firmly in the top-10 conversation, even as boards shift around him.

The takeaway

In a class still sorting itself out, Lemon's upside as a potential top-10 pick is exactly what teams picking early can't afford to pass on, especially with the Dolphins' need for a new offensive centerpiece.