USC wide receiver Makai Lemon stands out as a prospect based on his game film and analytical metrics. His evaluation from multiple perspectives has boosted his momentum in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Speaking on “In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu,” analyst Nick Underhill discussed why he sees Lemon as a match for the New Orleans Saints.
Makai Lemon Evaluated as a Fit for the Saints
“I like Makai Lemon a lot, kind of like Amon-Ra St. Brown,” Underhill said. “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.
“A lot of really nice people on this roster. A lot of… But Lemon is just, he kind of gives you that, you know, there’s just something there, man, that after the catch is crazy. And you talk to him like he’s, you know, you just kind of feel the energy, the intensity. And I think they need that.”
The Saints hold the No. 8 overall pick and are in need of a playmaker to complement Chris Olave. Lemon fits that mold, particularly as a slot receiver who can build chemistry with quarterback Tyler Shough. Lemon created separation for quarterback Jayden Maiava in the 2025 season and capped off the year by winning the Biletnikoff Award.
Data from Warren Sharp shows New Orleans’ lack of investment in wide receivers in recent drafts. The team has spent minimal draft capital at the position since 2020, with Olave being their only first-round addition in 2022. The Saints have met with several receiver prospects, including Lemon, Chris Bell, Denzel Boston, Carnell Tate, Omar Cooper Jr., Ted Hurst, and Jordyn Tyson.
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Lemon was a productive receiver in the Big Ten in the 2025 season. At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, he produced against nickel corners, using his physicality and route-running to create advantages. His ball skills were evident in contested catch situations.
Lemon was a part of USC’s offense, as he totaled 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 109 targets, with two drops. Over his three-year college career, he posted 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 14.7 yards per catch. He finished his final season with USC with an 85.1 overall score in the PFSN College Football WR Impact Metric.
