2026 NFL Draft: Top WR Prospects Makai Lemon & Jordyn Tyson Scouting Reports
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon has emerged as a top NFL Draft prospect, garnering significant attention for his polished route running and competitive play style. The junior, who earned the Biletnikoff Award in 2025 as the nation’s top receiver, is consistently ranked among the top 15 prospects in recent mock drafts.
Lemon’s 2025 season saw him record 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a premier college football player. Analysts at NFL.com note his ability to win in traffic and his surprising strength after the catch, drawing comparisons to Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. “Lemon is one of my favorite players in this draft,” an NFL.com scout stated. “He is a wideout with a running back’s body and a linebacker’s temperament.”
The 5-foot-11, 192-pound receiver’s skillset is characterized by quickness off the line and an understanding of route tempo, allowing him to consistently create separation. His performance against Iowa in 2025, where he recorded 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown, has been highlighted as a showcase of his abilities. Analysts at The Athletic echoed the St. Brown comparison, noting Lemon’s knack for making contested catches and his ability to consistently outperform defenders. “Given the USC connection, the Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons experience too on the nose — but they also fit like a glove,” a scout from The Athletic wrote. “Lemon lacks top-tier physical traits, but You’ll see multiple throws on each USC tape when the quarterback makes a ‘my guy is better than your guy’ decision and puts the ball in a spot for Lemon to head get it. More times than not, he proves the QB right.”
Draft projections vary, but Lemon consistently appears in the top 15. Matt Miller of ESPN currently ranks him as the No. 8 overall pick and the top wide receiver available. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com places him at No. 11, although Dane Brugler of The Athletic has him at No. 14. Pro Football Focus currently ranks him at No. 15.
While Lemon’s draft stock is soaring, other receivers are also attracting significant attention. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, a 6-foot-2, 203-pound receiver, is also projected as a first-round pick. Tyson led the Sun Devils with 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, despite starting only nine games. NFL.com analysts praise Tyson’s explosiveness and route-running creativity, noting his ability to create separation and create contested catches. However, his injury history is a concern. ESPN scouts highlight Tyson’s ability to stretch the field vertically and adjust to the ball in flight, while acknowledging his past struggles with drops.
Tyson’s draft projections are also strong, with rankings ranging from No. 12 (Brugler) to No. 21 (Jeremiah). The Athletic notes that Tyson’s quickness allows him to avoid press coverage and stress defenses, while ESPN emphasizes his potential as an “X receiver” with size, speed, and route-running savviness.
Makai Lemon is scheduled to attend the Biletnikoff Award Banquet and Celebration in Tallahassee, Florida, on March 28, 2026, where he will receive the Biletnikoff trophy. College Football Hall of Famer Raghib “Rocket” Ismail will deliver the keynote address.