In a draft class loaded with talent, Makai Lemon is quietly building a case to be the best wide receiver available — and not everyone is seeing it yet. While bigger names continue to dominate headlines, Lemon’s game speaks in a different way. His route running, separation ability, and consistency have started to stand out to those paying close attention — the kind of traits that often translate faster at the next level. What makes his rise even more interesting is how under-the-radar it’s been. Teams are always searching for receivers who can do more than just make highlight plays — and Lemon may fit that mold better than most. As evaluations continue and draft boards shift, momentum around his name is growing. But there’s one specific aspect of his game that insiders keep pointing to. And it might be the reason he ends up outperforming expectations on the biggest stage.
ONE of the stronger positional groups in this year’s NFL Draft is the wide receivers.
While it is expected that around six receivers could get picked in the first round, three stand out above the rest.
Makai Lemon celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Michigan in October
Carnell Tate runs off the field during the Big Ten Championship against Indiana
Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson have established themselves as the best wide receivers in this year’s draft.
They will all likely get drafted in the top half of the first round thanks to their individual skills.
But which player will get drafted the highest? Do any of them have any red flags?
Those questions and more were answered on this week’s episode of Football Xs and Os: Back to School.
CARNELL TATE – OHIO STATE
“Tate is the guy that a lot of people are expecting to be the number one wide receiver off the board this year,” NFL expert David Scott said.
“It makes sense, he’s got all the physical tools and traits to be a top wide receiver in the league.”
Tate has been overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, but NFL scouts still see something special in him.
He had a career-high 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025 on just 51 receptions.
That was good for 17.2 yards per reception, a ridiculous number.
“His ball skills are spectacular,” host Ryan Sanudo said.
“You can trust him with so many kinds of routes.”
Tate is likely going to be a top 10 pick in the draft, with teams like the New York Giants and Kansas City Chiefs expected to draw interest.
MAKAI LEMON – USC
Makai Lemon is expected to be the second wide receiver off the board in the draft, but he has all the talent to be the top guy.
Lemon compiled 1,156 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns on 79 receptions in 2025.
He was named as an All-American and won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver.
“He is very good in the slot,” Scott said.
“He is really great at route running. He’s going to take those short passes and take them for solid gains.”
In an era of football where slot wide receivers can be dominant, this is a very good time for Lemon to enter the draft.
“This guy reminds me of Amon-Ra St. Brown,” Sanudo said.
“I think he’s my favorite prospect. I feel like Lemon could be the best wide receiver in this draft class.”
Teams like the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams could be in range to select Lemon this year.
JORDYN TYSON – ARIZONA STATE
Jordyn Tyson is the biggest “What if?” of this draft class.
If he were fully healthy, there would be no question who the No. 1 wide receiver is this year.
“Jordan Tyson is, in my opinion, the best wide receiver of these three guys,” Scott said.
“It’s just a matter of if he is going to be the most available wide receivers of these three guys.
“The problem is, he’s hurt all of the time.”
Tyson has dealt with a whole slew of injuries throughout his college career.
He went from a torn ACL and PCL to a fractured collarbone to a hamstring strain.
Tyson played a full season in 2024, but that was the only full season of his college career.
Still, it was a great one as he went for 1,101 yards with 10 touchdowns.
“I feel like he could be a Stefon Diggs type of player,” Sanudo said.
“Maybe not in the top 10… but if you’re 11 to 12 and you need a wide receiver, Jordyn Tyson might be your guy.”
If teams have faith in Tyson’s health, he could go anywhere from around No. 7 to No. 20 in the draft.
Expect the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens to have their eyes on him.
