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2026 NFL draft: Makai Lemon predicted as Lamar Jackson's top target
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- 2026 NFL draft: Makai Lemon predicted as Lamar Jackson's top target
This upcoming NFL draft class is full of top receivers who can make an impact in their rookie seasons. That has been the norm in the last few NFL draft classes. Makai Lemon is primed to be the next great receiver who will cause a team to overlook its biggest needs. Explosive offenses and having multiple game changers on offense can take a team a long way. Makai Lemon fits that bill, and that is why many teams have their eyes set on him heading into the draft.
In yet another early mock draft, Makai Lemon is predicted to go in the top 15. In the latest one, by draft expert Field Yates, it adds more fuel to the idea that Lemon is heading to the AFC contender, the Baltimore Ravens . Here are Yates' thoughts on Lemon being drafted by the Ravens:
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"It would be nice for the Ravens to beef up the interior offensive line, but they are a playmaker short in the passing game as well. The Ravens finished 30th in receiving first downs this past season (141), ahead of only the Jets and Browns. They were also 30th in yards after the catch.
What Lemon lacks in stature (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), he makes up for in several ways. He has an off-the-charts catch radius, elevated instincts and a determined running style after the catch. He can shake defenders in the short and intermediate passing game, which led to him averaging the third-most receiving yards per game in the FBS last season (96.3)."
The Ravens are hoping that Jessie Minter will elevate the Ravens' defense back to its glory days this season and help younger players get closer to their ceiling. He is a credible defensive mind, and he is as close as it gets to Mike Macdonald. On offense, the Ravens could use more playmakers to turn this offense back into an electrifying one. Zay Flowers is a good receiver, but he is not a top-of-the-line number 1 receiver. At times, that ultimately hinders this offense. Rashod Bateman took a step back this season. The Ravens' offense was as bad as it has been recently this past season, and missing the playoffs was a direct result of that.
Lamar Jackson needs a number 1 option, and Makai Lemon could fit that. He is a tough, physical, and reliable receiver who will make Lamar Jackson right. Declan Doyle, being the new offensive mind in Baltimore as well, would love working with a playmaker such as Lemon. Doyle is a Ben Johnson clone, and offensive creativity runs through his blood. Lincoln Riley loved getting creative with Lemon last season, as he was one of the best big-play stars in the country.
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If the Ravens want players who will make a difference and players who can be in Canton, Ohio, when their career is done, Makai Lemon is their guy. Lamar Jackson and Makai Lemon would be yet another duo that would be must-see television in the NFL. Even as a rookie, I believe he will help this team get closer to their ultimate goal, and I think this would be a great landing spot for Lemon.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Makai Lemon projected to Baltimore Ravens in 2026 NFL draft
