STEELERS

Continuing our 21-day series in constructing the Steelers' big board in the first round, taking a deep dive at No. 11: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

MAKAI LEMON

• Position: Wide receiver
• College: USC (2023-25)
• Class: Junior
• Age: 21
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 192
• Hand: 8 3/4"
• Arms: 30 1/2"
• 40-yard dash: 4.46-4.53 (pro day)

STATS

• 2025: 12 games, 79 receptions, 1,156 yards, 11 touchdowns

• 2024: 12 games, 52 receptions, 764 yards, three touchdowns

STRENGTHS

• Extraordinary ball skills

• Polished route runner, can separate

• Plays bigger than his size

• Sure hands (2.5% drop rate in 2025)

• Plug and play

WEAKNESSES

• Lacks elite speed

• Room for improvement after the catch

• Only a slot?

• Potential character issues?

2026 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD

1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana 
2. Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
3. Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
4. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
6. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
7. Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)
8. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
9. Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
10. Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
11. Makai Lemon, WR, USC