Makai Lemon attracted curiosity from the NFL world during his Pro Day. The wide receiver worked out in front of NFL scouts in preparation for the 2026 NFL Draft, and his 40-yard dash ranged from 4.48 to 4.53, which aren’t considered great numbers for a wide receiver. Reactions about Lemon’s time were mixed.
NFL Reacts to Makai Lemon’s Pro Day 40-Yard Dash Time
Lemon is considered a first-round pick in the draft. He’s currently ranked as No. 11 in PFSN’s Big Board, and many mock drafts project him as a top-10 pick. His 40-yard-dash time likely won’t change his status, but the NFL world was still curious to see the numbers.
Unlike the NFL Combine, there are no official times during Pro Days, but Dane Brugler provided a range of times for his run: “USC WR Makai Lemon ran his 40-yard dash for NFL scouts this morning. 4.48 to 4.53 range (according to multiple scouts in attendance).”
USC WR Makai Lemon ran his 40-yard dash for NFL scouts this morning.
4.48 to 4.53 range (according to multiple scouts in attendance)
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 12, 2026
Not all wide receivers become superstars because of their vertical threat against defenses. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s leading receiver in the 2025 season, ran a 4.48 during his Pro Day in 2023.
Lemon has other traits in his game that make him a great prospect, which is why ESPN analyst Field Yates wasn’t concerned about the time. “Right in the range expected for Makai Lemon. Solid outcome. Speed isn’t the way he wins. His route running, run after catch skills, contact balance and catch radius are all areas that he thrives.”
Right in the range expected for Makai Lemon. Solid outcome.
Speed isn’t the way he wins.
His route running, run after catch skills, contact balance and catch radius are all areas that he thrives. https://t.co/0CtirjtiPH
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 12, 2026
Amon-Ra St. Brown Comparison
Another interesting comparison to Lemon’s time was made by NFL analyst Marcus Mosher. He mentioned another USC prospect, Amon-Ra St. Brown, who also had a slow 40-yard run in his Pro Day but still became a superstar in the league. Their playstyles are also similar.
“Amon-Ra St. Brown ran a 4.61 at USC’s Pro Day,” observed NFL contributor Marcus Mosher. “And that’s the common comp for Makai Lemon. A 4.53 (potentially faster) is more than good enough.”
Amon-Ra St. Brown ran a 4.61 at USC’s Pro Day.
And that’s the common comp for Makai Lemon.
A 4.53 (potentially faster) is more than good enough.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 12, 2026
The same comparison was made by another analyst, Bryce DeGroat, who posted a screenshot of St. Brown’s time prior to the 2021 NFL Draft. St. Brown was a fourth-round pick, but unlike Lemon, he was never considered an elite prospect.
The comparison can’t get any closer https://t.co/a0JfKLBpd2 pic.twitter.com/acsMFkK6nx
— Bryce DeGroat (@NFL_Convo) March 12, 2026
Draft Analysts Weigh In
NFL Draft analyst Jonah Tuls also had no issues with Lemon’s run. In the NFL, separation will come through route running rather than beating defenders with his speed.
“Perfectly fine. I like Lemon a lot, but I don’t think the gap between him and Cooper is that much.”
Perfectly fine. I like Lemon a lot, but I don’t think the gap between him and Cooper is that much. https://t.co/K6oefUMCSE
— Jonah Tuls (@JonahTuls) March 12, 2026
The question now is how teams will look at the numbers. Scouts from NFL teams weren’t expecting to see Lemon post a strong run, given his playstyle and route running as his best qualities. Despite not coming close to a 4.2-second run, there doesn’t seem to be much concern about the time.
