The Miami Dolphins are in a weird place right now, and it is not even a bad thing, just… different. Jaylen Waddle’s gone, and with that, the receiver room does not look the same anymore.
And there is this feeling that the offense is shifting along with the change, and it probably won’t be the same blur of motion and deep shots every other play. And now, it looks like the Dolphins are trying to build something a bit more international in Miami, especially with Malik Willis still in his development phase.
Why USC Wide Receiver Makai Lemon Makes Sense For the Dolphins
In the latest mock draft, PFSN’s Allison Koehler has predicted that Makai Lemon might be heading to Miami at No. 11 in the 2026 NFL Draft. His 2025 season brought him to the forefront of draft conversations, as he recorded an 85.1 PFSN CFB WR Impact Score with 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns (16 total scores over his career).
“At 5’11”, 195 pounds, he’s a polished route runner with electric speed, sharp footwork, and elite body control, allowing him to consistently create separation and thrive after the catch,” Koehler wrote in her analysis.
“Despite his size, he also excels in contested situations with strong hands and timing. While questions remain about his ability against press coverage, Lemon’s well-rounded skill set and production profile position him as a high-upside hybrid slot weapon with WR1 potential.”
For Willis, Lemon might just be the one. Young QBs don’t always need highlight guys; rather, they need someone who makes things simple for them. Someone they can trust to be where they are supposed to be without overthinking it.
Lemon’s routes feel timed. Like, when he breaks, he’s open (or at the very least open enough). And when the ball comes his way, he usually finishes. The 2.8% drop rate is good, but honestly, you can tell just by watching him that he has strong hands, good body control, and nothing about his play feels rushed.
Where his play gets fun is after the catch. Miami looks like it is leaning more into spacing now, finding soft spots, working underneath, keeping things moving. Lemon fits that mould naturally. And once he gets the ball, it just somehow works.
He is not blowing past everyone, per se. It’s more like…small cuts, little adjustments, staying on his feet through contact. That’s how he ends up with 6.6 yards after catch per reception, which eventually and gradually adds up.
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He blocks, he fights for the ball, and he does not shy away from making contact. Winning around 66% of contested catches at his size is… kind of wild when you think about it. And if you throw in some return value, he’s doing a bit of everything.
Nevertheless, it’s not perfect. He’s not Waddle. He’s not stretching the field in a way that makes safeties nervous. Also, press coverage might give him trouble early, too. NFL corners are a different problem entirely.
But maybe Miami’s okay despite that, because it does not really feel like they might be trying to replace Waddle, but rather just trying to steady things.
