PITTSBURGH — Makai Lemon, a wide receiver, is no stranger to showcasing his skills in front of NFL scouts, especially during his time at USC. From the day he arrived, he captured considerable attention.
Over the last two years, interest surrounding him has only grown. He caught 131 passes for 1,920 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, signaling his potential.
There were moments on the field when he found himself tightly covered but still managed to battle defenders for the catch.
This performance has made him a likely candidate to be drafted within the top 15 picks, with teams like the Chiefs, Saints, and Rams showing interest.
For the Southern California native, it’s been a humbling journey. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, he’s focused on soaking up the atmosphere in Pittsburgh and eagerly hoping to hear his name called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“I definitely cherish every moment and just take it all in,” Lemon remarked. “It’s a blessing to be here and working on myself.”
What he may not realize is that Rams general manager Les Snead has been watching him closely, but perhaps not just in his professional capacity. Snead’s connection to USC runs deep; his children attend the school, allowing him to observe Lemon like any proud parent.
During the past season, particularly after Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award for the best college receiver and earned All-America honors, Snead began to see him as a potential NFL player.
“Whenever I saw the ball go up to Lemon, I felt confident he’d make the catch,” Snead commented this week.
As luck would have it, the Rams hold the 13th overall pick in the draft, a prime spot for someone like Lemon. The team could really use a wide receiver, both as an immediate asset alongside Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and as a prospect for the future.
This potential connection put a smile on Lemon’s face, especially after realizing Snead’s admiration for his talents.
“It definitely means a lot coming from someone like him,” he stated.
Lemon recently participated in a youth football clinic in Pittsburgh, one of 14 draft prospects involved. With the life-changing moment approaching, he’s making an effort to manage his nerves and stay calm.
That’s a tall order, as expectations about his future are significantly high. Soon, he’ll know where all his effort and dreams will lead him.
“I think about every possible scenario,” he admitted, chuckling. “Maybe before bed, but I try not to get too caught up in it.”
Still, the notion of potentially playing for the Rams excites him. Although the Chiefs at the 9th pick are also in the running, the idea of joining Nacua and Adams while staying close to home is enticing.
In his head, he’s already picturing himself in a Rams uniform, adjusting to Sean McVay’s offensive strategies. The idea certainly has its appeal.
“I believe it’s a perfect fit,” Lemon noted, believing his playing style could contribute significantly to the team.
He also sees immense value in learning from seasoned players like Nacua and Adams. “I’m just taking it all in,” he expressed. “They’ve achieved so much and seen so much in the league; being with them would mean a lot.”
It’s just a matter of time now. While the Rams make a lot of sense, many teams could benefit from his talent. Lemon is confident that whichever team drafts him will gain a player with a strong mindset.
“They’re bringing in fierce competitors, you know?” he said. “Someone eager to win and to lead by example, ready to do whatever the team needs. I plan to perform at my best.”
