As the 2026 NFL Draft is around the corner, many experts are weighing in their opinions on whom the Detroit Lions are keen on drafting with their 17th overall pick.

The Lions aren’t looking to draft a wide receiver, as the team is already in good shape with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. However, an NFL insider's report has compared USC wide receiver Makai Lemon to the Lions’ wide receiver, St. Brown.

According to Adam Schefter's ESPN report, he discussed how a coach drew comparisons between the prospect and the All-Pro.

“This kid is a baller. This kid’s ball skills are just as good, if not better, than St. Brown’s. If he would block in the run game, this kid is going to have the same impact if you use him the right way,” Schefter wrote in his report.

The Detroit Lions drafted St. Brown with the 112th pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. At 23 years old, he became the youngest player in franchise history to record 100 receptions and 1000 receiving yards in his second season.

He signed a four-year extension with the Lions in 2024, amounting to $120 million. His contract stays till 2028 and gives him an annual salary of $30 million. 

Makai Lemon comes with an impressive record through his collegiate career with the Trojans. He recorded 1,156 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns in his final season.

Both have similar route-running and zone coverage awareness. St. Brown is known for his elite hands and for being a reliable receiver and this is where Lemon also shines. 

NFL mock draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. took Lemon at the 11th spot in the first round and claims Lemon is one of his 'favourite' players in this year's draft.

"This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch," Kiper wrote in his ESPN report.

Multiple teams have reached out to Makai Lemon throughout the draft process. It's noteworthy how he made his journey from an athletic background to the NFL Draft.

Lemon's Journey from USC to NFL

Born and brought up in Los Alamitos, California, Makai Lemon’s upbringing was sport-centered, as he was brought up in an athletic household.

Lemon’s father, Mike Lemon, was the running back at UNLV. His uncle, Tim Lemon, was a second-round pick by MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals.

Inevitably, sports became a part of his routine and he found his interest in playing football when he was around 11 years old. 

After being ranked as a five-star recruit out of high school, Lemon joined the Trojans in 2023 to play under head coach Lincoln Riley.

He had his breakout season in 2024, when he recorded 256 all-purpose yards against Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

After his impressive performance in his final season, Lemon received unanimous All-American honors and the Fred Biletnikoff award, given to the best collegiate receiver in teh country.

With an impressive college record backing him and his St. Brown comparison, Lemon has the potential to have a long and successful career in the NFL.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Rishab Nandi