Feb. 28, 2026, 4:59 a.m. PT
The biggest question to be answered in late April at the 2026 NFL draft is which lucky team will get its hands on USC football star Makai Lemon. Wherever he ends up, it is a guarantee he will make a huge impact from the get-go. There are spots that may need him more than others, but a star like Lemon could do wonders in New York.
In PFF’s latest mock draft, the outlet has the New York Jets taking Makai Lemon with their second pick in the first round. Here is what writer Dalton Wasserman had to say about Lemon landing in New York.
“With their second pick, the Jets address their offense by drafting Biletnikoff Award winner Makai Lemon. Lemon led the FBS with a 91.4 PFF receiving grade while placing among the top 10 qualifiers in yards per route run and missed tackles forced in 2025. Jets wide receivers ranked 22nd or worse in all three of those categories in 2025.”
The Jets have multiple first-round picks this upcoming draft and a lot of holes that need to be addressed. The Jets are in a spot where they are changing up the culture and are looking for players that will embody what type for team Aaron Glenn and company want the Jets to be.
In the first pick of this mock draft, they have the Jets taking Rueben Bain Jr., who is a difference maker on defense. A pass rusher that can win defensive rookie of the year and make instant impact. Complimenting that pick with taking Makai Lemon would be a home run for the Jets.
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Makai Lemon is a difference maker for more reasons than 1. He is a player who can become a leader and become one of the staples of the organization. The Jets do not have a quarterback yet, but having Garrett Wilson and Makai Lemon for whoever they decide to draft in 2027 or bring in this season via trade will be set up for success. This would be a dream outcome for the Jets, and I think Lemon would be the exact player they are looking for in the first round.