USC WR Makai Lemon Hyped Up as Perfect Fit for Saints in 2026 NFL Draft

Analyst Nick Underhill believes the wide receiver's physicality and attitude make him an ideal match for the New Orleans team.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of gold, black, and white, representing the energy and physicality of a Saints wide receiver.A cubist interpretation of a Saints wide receiver's explosive athleticism captures the team's need for a dynamic playmaker to complement their existing roster.New Orleans Today

Analyst Nick Underhill discussed why he sees USC wide receiver Makai Lemon as a strong fit for the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft. Underhill praised Lemon's physicality, intensity, and playmaking ability after the catch, qualities he believes the Saints need to complement their current roster. The Saints hold the 8th overall pick and have met with several receiver prospects, including Lemon, as they look to add a dynamic pass-catcher to pair with 2022 first-round pick Chris Olave.

Why it matters

The Saints have not invested heavily in wide receivers in recent drafts, with Olave being their only first-round addition at the position since 2020. Adding a player like Lemon, who excelled in the Big Ten in 2025 with 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, could provide a significant boost to their passing attack and help the team return to the playoffs.

The details

Lemon, a 5-foot-11, 192-pound receiver, is described as a 'dog' by Underhill, who sees him as a strong match for the Saints' roster. Lemon's physicality, route-running, and ball skills in contested catch situations were on display during his productive 2025 season at USC, where he finished with an 85.1 overall score in the PFSN College Football WR Impact Metric.

  • Lemon was the recipient of the Biletnikoff Award in the 2025 college football season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver from the University of Southern California who is generating buzz as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Nick Underhill

An analyst who discussed Lemon's fit with the New Orleans Saints on the 'In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu' podcast.

Chris Olave

The New Orleans Saints' first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, who Lemon could complement in the team's passing attack.

Tyler Shough

The quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, who could build chemistry with Lemon as a slot receiver.

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What they’re saying

“I like Makai Lemon a lot, kind of like Amon-Ra St. Brown. I think he's like 5-10, 5-11. Just plays with such (an) attitude though, man. And I think this team, I think the team (the Saints) needs dogs, man. They do, man.”

— Nick Underhill, Analyst

What’s next

The Saints will continue to evaluate Lemon and other receiver prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the 8th overall pick and are looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their offense.

The takeaway

The Saints' lack of investment in wide receivers in recent drafts has left them in need of a complementary piece to Chris Olave. Makai Lemon's physicality, attitude, and playmaking ability make him an intriguing option for the team at the 8th overall pick, as they look to bolster their passing attack and return to the playoffs.