Many stars for the USC Trojans this season have declared for the NFL draft. The UCLA game was the last time Makai Lemon, Kamari Ramsey, and Lake McRee suited up for USC. Each player heading for the draft has what it takes to build on their legacy at USC and create something even more special in the NFL.

Here are my predictions for potential NFL landing spots for all the Trojans who have declared for next year’s NFL draft:

Makai Lemon

Makai Lemon’s game translates beautifully to the NFL, and coming off a Biletnikoff award-winning season, Lemon will be one of the most sought-after playmakers in this upcoming draft. Lemon is a physical receiver who can take a hit and deliver hits of his own, all while being able to get yards after the catch. Even at 5-foot-11, Lemon is still one of the best contested catch receivers in the country. Lemon put up 79 catches for 1156 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season. If Lemon lands in the perfect spot for him, he could very well put up those same numbers as a rookie.

Some destinations for Lemon I like include: The Seahawks, Jets, Titans, and the Chiefs. He would be a great fit in Seattle with former Trojan quarterback Sam Darnold. The Seahawks need another receiver, along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, to make their offense more explosive. Both the Titans and Jets are in desperate need of another top weapon for their offense. The Titans, more specifically, need a top target for their potential franchise quarterback Cam Ward. Ward’s best target is in his 30s, and not much of an elite separator like Lemon is currently. The Chiefs have names at receiver, but their playmakers consistently struggled with drops and getting open. A player like Lemon landing with the Chiefs would be dangerous for the entire NFL. That move alone could resurrect the Chiefs’ dynasty.

Ja’Kobi Lane

Lane did not put up the same numbers as Lemon this season, but he did not disappoint. Whenever Jayden Maiava looked his way and gave him a 50-50 ball, Lane more than likely came down with it. When Lemon was not able to be a factor in a game this season, Ja’Kobi Lane stepped up and became the go-to guy. In a lot of other programs, Lane would have been a 1000-yard receiver. His size and physical traits make him a matchup nightmare as soon as he steps in the NFL. Lane posted 49 catches for 745 yards and 4 touchdowns this past season.

Some destinations that I think would be great for Lane include: The 49ers, Bills, and the Commanders. The 49ers have a lot of issues with Brandon Aiyuk, and that looks primed to be another divorce with one of their talented receivers. Rickey Pearsall has still not shown enough yet to feel confident in him. Lane could be the exact big body target that flourishes with Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. The Bill desperately needs a number 1 option at receiver, and if they can get Lane in the second round, that would be a steal for them. I think Lane could be everything they wanted Keon Coleman to be. Jayden Daniels has two older receivers who both seem to be heading towards a decline. The Commanders need a young, big body target with a great catch radius, all the things that are Lane’s best traits. A Jayden Daniels to Ja’Kobi Lane connection would be fun to watch.

Lake McRee

McRee is an experienced tight end who was very consistent for the USC Trojans. McRee is a tight end who is a great blocker in the run game and has great ability to get open in the passing game. He has great athletic ability, and he can be a reliable target in the NFL. This past season the 5 year tight end tallied 30 catches for 450 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

McRee would be a great fit as a #2 tight end option in a run-heavy offense early on in his career in the NFL. He has the upside to become much more. Teams such as the Colts, Broncos, and the Eagles would be great spots for him. Sean Payton would love a physical tight end like McRee, and he would be the perfect complement to Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia. He could very well end up as Goedert’s replacement as well.

Kamari Ramsey

It was a lesser season for safety Kamari Ramsey, but he still has all the traits for a game-changing safety in the NFL. He is physical enough to hang with bigger receiving threats and fluid enough to hang with speedy guys. In 2024, he had himself a great season, good enough to declare that season, but returned for one last year at USC this season and was limited to injuries. His draft stock has taken a slight slide, but a team will get a potential steal on day two with Ramsey.

I could see teams like Buffalo and the Bears being two great destinations for him. Buffalo has lacked consistency at safety this season, and it has been their Achilles heel, along with their poor run defense. Ramsey would slot in very well next to Taylor Rapp and could potentially create an elite safety tandem down the road. The Bears are getting older at safety, and while Jaquan Brisker has been healthy this season, he still can’t be confident enough to give him a rich extension. Ramsey could benefit from learning under Kevin Byard, and working around a coach like Al Harris would be fantastic for his development.

Bishop Fitzgerald

While Ramsey had a down year this season, transfer Bishop Fitzgerald had a spectacular season. Fitzgerald finished as a first-team All-American. Fitzgerald had 51 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, and 5 interceptions this season. Fitzgerald was one of the biggest reasons for another year of improvement on defense this season for the Trojans.

Fitzgerald is a ball-hawking safety, and he does not shy away from making a big hit or two. He would also be a great fit with the Chicago Bears and be the perfect future replacement and apprentice of Kevin Byard. The success Fitzgerald had in getting takeaways, he could replicate that beautifully in Chicago, especially under Al Harris. A future secondary of Fitzgerald, Jaquan Brisker, Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon could be a legion of boom-like. Another landing spot for Fitzgerald could be the New York Giants. Tyler Nubin has been ok so far in his early career, but the Giants will still be looking to upgrade that position in the draft. With the elite defensive line, the Giants have all that is missing is better play in the back end. Fitzgerald could assist with that.

Eric Gentry

Eric Gentry has a unique size at the linebacker position and great traits to make him a difference maker on Sundays. Last season, Gentry finished with 76 tackles, 3 sacks and 5 forced fumbles. In the right defensive scheme, he could be a great asset. His speed and his effort, coupled with his great length, are all assets Gentry uses to give opposing offenses hell all game long. In the NFL, he will just have to put on some more weight to help improve his ability to take on blockers. He is a defensive coordinator’s dream.

Some destinations I like for Gentry include: The Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, and the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens did not get it right with starter Trenton Simpson and could use a linebacker who complements Roquan Smith. Preferably, a linebacker, before he got hurt, who can be good in coverage, Gentry fits that bill. Teddy Buchanan before he got hurt was a very impressive rookie this season. Adding Gentry with Roquan and Buchanan would be a nice linebacker room. The Dallas Cowboys could use another linebacker to go along with Demarvion Overshown. If the Cowboys could get a guy like Gentry, who could round out their front 7. The final team, the Cleveland Browns, hit it out of the park with this year’s draft class. One of their best rookies has been Carson Schwesinger, a linebacker from UCLA. The Browns could use another hit at that position to take their defense to the next level.