March 19, 2026, 5:33 a.m. PT
Makai Lemon is expected to be taken in the first 16 picks of the 2026 NFL draft, given that many teams need receivers who are game-changers as soon as they step into the NFL. Given his size and some negative discourse about his podium performance at the combine, there is an outside chance Lemon could slide downward in the draft.
In a recent mock draft, analyst Mel Kiper provides the scenario of Makai Lemon falling to pick 24 to the Cleveland Browns. Here is what he had to say about Lemon’s fit in Cleveland:
“I’m a huge fan of Lemon, and he could go earlier than 24th. The board just sort of fell this way in this mock draft. Cleveland wouldn’t be complaining, though. It currently has Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and Isaiah Bond atop its depth chart — meaning no real changes to a wide receivers room that had a league-low 1,467 yards last season. Lemon nearly met that himself with 1,156 receiving yards over 12 games at USC. He has a slot receiver’s build at 5-11 and 192 pounds, but he plays as if he’s much bigger, with a fierce approach to the game. Coupled with Monroe Freeling at No. 6, this would be a good first round for the Browns.”
Makai Lemon is a sought-after prospect in this draft class. I doubt he falls to Cleveland at 24, but if he does, that would be a win for Cleveland. It would also be a great landing spot for Lemon, who would match up with Todd Monken. Monken coached many years in college, and he has given smaller receiver Zay Flowers two of his best seasons in the NFL. He would be the perfect guy to help Makai Lemon have a smooth transition in the NFL and be extremely productive out of the gate.
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