Jets Eyeing Electric USC WR Lemon at No. 16 Pick

Makai Lemon could be an option for the Jets to pair with Garrett Wilson in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:42am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conceptually representing the dynamic movement and playmaking ability of a top wide receiver prospect.A cubist interpretation of a dynamic wide receiver in motion, hinting at the explosive potential of the 2026 NFL Draft's top receiving prospects.Indianapolis Today

The New York Jets hold the No. 2 and No. 16 overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they are expected to target an edge rusher and a wide receiver with those selections. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that USC wide receiver Makai Lemon could be available for the Jets at No. 16, which would give them a dynamic playmaker to pair with Garrett Wilson.

Why it matters

The Jets are in need of a true No. 1 wide receiver to complement Garrett Wilson, and Lemon is considered one of the top receiver prospects in the draft. Adding Lemon to the offense could give the Jets a formidable passing attack for years to come.

The details

The Jets hold the No. 2 overall pick and are expected to take an edge rusher like Arvell Reese or David Bailey. At No. 16, the Jets could have a chance to select Lemon, who Rapoport believes will go 'just after' the 15th pick. The Lions and Vikings, who pick at No. 17 and No. 18 respectively, also have needs at wide receiver, so the Jets will have to pounce if Lemon is available at 16.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in just under two weeks.
  • Rapoport made his comments about Lemon's draft position on Friday.

The players

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Southern California who is considered one of the top receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Garrett Wilson

The Jets' current top wide receiver, who is on a long-term deal with the team.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL Network reporter who provided analysis on Makai Lemon's potential draft position.

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What they’re saying

“I would expect him to go probably just after No. 15. So, after No. 15 is No. 16 and then after that is No. 17 and No. 18. That is a pretty great spot potentially for Makai Lemon.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in just under two weeks, at which point the Jets will have the opportunity to select Makai Lemon if he is available at the No. 16 overall pick.

The takeaway

The Jets' search for a true No. 1 wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson could lead them to USC's Makai Lemon, one of the top receiving prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Adding Lemon's dynamic playmaking ability to the Jets' offense could give them a formidable passing attack for years to come.