Micah's predictions for where Trojans will land in 2026 NFL draft
Many USC Trojans had very encouraging showings at the NFL scouting combine not too long ago. Ja'Kobi Lane has become a big riser in this NFL draft class, and he will try to join Makai Lemon as a playmaker who can dominate in Year 1 as a pro. Lake McRee is another pass catcher who is also rising on boards and could be the perfect addition for a contending team.
Here are my updated predictions for which teams these former Trojans will land on come the NFL draft after the scouting combine:
Wide receiver - Makai Lemon
I think Makai Lemon is situation-proof, and regardless of where he lands, I think he would be extremely impactful. The New Orleans Saints need to add another playmaker alongside Chris Olave to help their quarterback, Tyler Shough , further develop. They will go receiver at pick 8 regardless, but I think they'd decide to select the best receiver in the class. Makai Lemon would be the perfect addition to make the Saints one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL. Olave and Lemon would become a top wide receiver duo in the NFL.
Wide receiver - Ja'Kobi Lane
Ja'Kobi Lane is one of the most underrated players in this draft, and whoever takes a shot on him will be getting a 1st round talent at receiver. I like the Baltimore Ravens using their second-round pick on him. Lamar Jackson is as accurate as he has ever been, and the Ravens need a bigger body target that can be dominant. Lane fits that mold, and he is very similar to Rome Odunze , whom Declan Doyle Bears' offensive coordinator coached last season. I think Doyle would be able to get a lot out of Lane.
Tight end - Lake McRee
I think Lake McRee lands with the Philadelphia Eagles . He had a great showing at the combine, and he fits the mold of exactly what they need at the tight end position. Dallas Goedert is more than likely going to leave in free agency, and Howie Roseman will plug in a top tight end in free agency. There still needs to be a tight end #2 that can be a factor in the run game blocking and make plays. That is exactly what McRee can be.
Edge - Anthony Lucas
Anthony Lucas did not have great production last season, but he has upside and great size. Teams will always need depth at the edge position, so I think he will hear his name called. I like the Pittsburgh Steelers as a destination. The Steelers have a defensive line that is getting older, and last year's top pick, Derrick Harmon , was impressive. Harmon was impressive; Lucas could join him as a piece moving forward on the defensive line.
Linebacker - Eric Gentry
Eric Gentry is one of the more interesting prospects in the NFL Draft. He has insane size at the linebacker position, and in the right hands, he can be dangerous. I think he will be a day 3 guy, but that is perfect for Jessie Minter and the Baltimore Ravens. Minter has been a great developer in the NFL, and I think Gentry can be his next prospect he turns into a difference maker. The Ravens will get a still-taking Gentry late.
Safety - Kamari Ramsey
Kamari Ramsey had a down season last year, but he still remains one of the more sought-after safeties. His predicted landing spot is right on day 2 of the draft. The Denver Broncos just hired Doug Belk, Kamari Ramsey's coach last season. No one knows Ramsey as well as Belk, and I think landing in a spot with familiarity would be great for the underrated defensive stud, Ramsey.
Safety - Bishop Fitzgerald
Bishop Fitzgerald was one of the highest graded safeties in the country last season, and he was extremely productive. He still is falling in mock drafts, but I love the Chicago Bears as a destination for him. Al Harris turned the Bears into the best takeaway defense in the NFL. He would be the perfect coach to coach up Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has had interception production everywhere he landed in college. In his last season at USC, he had 5 interceptions. He would be the perfect development safety for the Bears.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: New predicted landing spots for USC football players in 2026 NFL draft
