Makai Lemon WR USC | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Makai Lemon WR USC
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Slot Receiver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 09/27/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.48 seconds (59%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.6 DOB: 06/02/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Slot Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 09/27/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2026 | |
| 40 time: 4.48 seconds (59%*) | |
| Age: 20.6 DOB: 06/02/2004 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 89.1 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 131.3 | |
| Hands: |
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87% |
| Short Receiving: |
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86% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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91% |
| Deep Threat: |
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92% |
| Blocking: |
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59% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Mid
Overall Rank:
#15
Position rank:
#3
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| College Games: 16 College Snaps: 418 | ||
ESPN RATING: 90/100
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247 RATING: 97/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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Draft Profile: Bio
Makai Lemon, wide receiver from USC, entered the college football scene as a highly touted prospect. Ranked as the No. 43 overall player and No. 7 wide receiver in the 2023 class by 247Sports Composite, Lemon graduated early from Los Alamitos High School in California to enroll at USC in the spring of 2023.In his true freshman season in 2023, Lemon saw action in 9 games, displaying his versatility by lining up at both wide receiver and cornerback. He recorded 6 receptions for 88 yards, with a long of 40 yards, and notched a tackle on defense. His collegiate debut in the Holiday Bowl against Louisville was notable, where he hauled in 2 catches for 75 yards.
Lemon's high school career was decorated with numerous accolades, including Under Armour All-American honors and a spot on the MaxPreps All-America First Team as a senior. His production was impressive, amassing over 1,000 receiving yards in both his junior and senior seasons. Lemon also contributed as a defensive back and return specialist, recording 4 interceptions in his junior year and averaging 33.4 yards per kickoff return as a senior.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Technician in route-running, utilizing stem variations and tempo changes to create separation
- Exhibits plus body control when adjusting to off-target throws and working the sidelines
- Dangerous YAC threat with quick-twitch athleticism and explosive lateral movements
- Possesses natural tracking ability on deep balls, consistently stacking DBs vertically
- Positional flexibility with experience at WR, CB, and as a return specialist
- Demonstrates savvy in finding soft spots against zone coverage
- Reliable hands-catcher who excels in high-pointing balls in contested catch situations
- Special teams upside as a return man, showcasing vision and burst in the open field
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lacks prototypical outside receiver frame, potentially limiting effectiveness against press-man coverage
- Top-end speed is good, not great; may struggle to consistently take the top off NFL defenses
- Raw in terms of collegiate production; needs to show he can win against high-level DBs consistently
- Play strength is a question mark; could struggle to disengage from physical corners at the next level
- Run blocking technique needs refinement to be a three-down player in the NFL
Scouting Report: Summary
Lemon's skill set translates well to the slot at the next level, where his quick-twitch athleticism and route-running acumen can be maximized. His ability to create separation in short to intermediate areas projects well to NFL offenses that emphasize timing and precision in the passing game.Scheme fit will be crucial for Lemon's success. He profiles best in a spread offense that utilizes a lot of option routes and allows receivers to work in space. His experience on both sides of the ball suggests a high football acumen, which should help him quickly digest complex NFL route trees and offensive concepts.
While Lemon's physical tools may not jump off the page, his technical refinement and versatility make him an intriguing prospect. As he continues to develop and gain more collegiate experience, Lemon has the potential to become a reliable chain-mover and red-zone threat at the next level.
How other scouting services rate Makai Lemon (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
15.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
3.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.