'Lightning Quick' USC Talent Earns Massive Pre-NFL Draft Title
'Lightning Quick' USC Talent Earns Massive Pre-NFL Draft Title originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
USC loaded up on talent for the 2026 recruiting class. But will the Trojans field a strong '26 NFL Draft group?
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USC already has Ja'Kobi Lane hailed as the top wide receiver for the next class. Lane has competition -- in the form of a teammate of his.
Makai Lemon earned his own No. 1 WR label ahead of the next draft. Lemon rises as Pro Football Focus's top wideout for the 2026 rookie class.
Trevor Sikkema of PFF plastered the top label for Lemon. What are the traits that convinced the PFF analyst to place Lemon at the top of the PFF wideout board?
Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies during the second quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Jonathan Hui-Imagn ImagesJonathan Hui-Imagn Images
"At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Lemon is on the smaller side. I have him categorized as a slot receiver, not just because he played 354 snaps in the slot compared to just 54 out wide in 2024, but also due to how he wins and his strengths," Sikkema explained.
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But then Sikkema explained what separates Lemon for other wideouts.
"Lemon is lightning quick," Sikkema said. "He has short strides but moves his legs like pistons in an engine, firing out of his stance to eat up cushion in coverage or getting vertical before defenders can adjust."
Sikkema concluded how Lemon brings strong fundamentals for the WR spot.
"He is also a nuanced and technical route runner, despite being just a true junior entering 2025," he wrote. "He knows how to set up defenders against their leverage and can find soft spots against zone by tempo-ing his speed at different points in his route."
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Lemon or Lane could become USC's second first round WR in a span of three years. Jordan Addison represents the school's last day one selection at the position.
Related: USC Legend Amon-Ra St. Brown Takes Rare Jab at Chiefs, Kansas City
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
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