Desperate AFC team could be plotting to swipe Makai Lemon from under Rams' noses

The Miami Dolphins need wide receiver help like a beach needs sunshine, and they'll likely look to make a splash at pick No. 11 in the 2026 NFL Draft. To address those needs, they may be eyeing a potential top target of the Los Angeles Rams, namely USC standout Makai Lemon. 

The Dolphins met with the All-American pass-catcher on Monday. While the meeting doesn't say much by itself, combined with the team's need and Lemon's NFL-ready profile, it should have Lemon-hopeful LA fans on high alert. 

After releasing Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle, the Fins are desperate. They don't need to win games, but they do need to field an NFL-worthy roster. Right now, former Rams receiver Tutu Atwell might be their top option after signing a one-year deal in free agency. Help wanted.

That makes Lemon an appealing pick for Miami, two spots before Los Angeles at No. 13 overall. If the Dolphins like what they see from him in their vis-a-vis, the Rams had better start thinking about other receivers on the board.

Dolphins could ruin Rams' day by stealing Lemon in the first round

Seeing Lemon taken just two picks before would be especially painful.

Imagine: NFL Draft, Day 1. Names come off the board. Lemon is still there. Still there. Still there. Miami's turn. They take him. The Rams end up being so close, yet so far. 

As enticing a WR3 as Lemon would be in Los Angeles, he would brighten the Dolphins receiver room even more, simply due to a lack of options. The offense needs a producer. At USC last season, Lemon caught 79 passes, reeled in nine touchdowns, and finished eighth in the FBS with 1,156 receiving yards. Check, check, check. Meet Miami's instant favorite for WR1. 

Some would argue that Lemon isn't worth a Top 11 pick, or even a selection inside the Top 15. On the other hand, at least one expert ranks him eighth among all prospects. Receiver is a position of dire need for the Dolphins, so it may be more a question of who than if. Most likely, a receiver will be the pick. 

Barring a miracle, Carnell Tate will be gone before the Dolphins, much less the Rams, hit the clock. Jordyn Tyson, once mocked consistently in the Top 10, has seen his stock dip due to a problematic injury history. Nagging hamstring problems have kept him from working out at the combine or at his Pro Day.

Taking Tyson at 13th overall would be a gamble, one the win-now Rams can't afford to take. Would they strike for Omar Cooper Jr. or KC Concepcion at that early position in the draft? Would they settle for Kenyon Sadiq at tight end? Would they trade back?

Would they pounce on an unforeseen outcome to target a different position entirely? 

The Rams do have options. It's just that Lemon might be chief among them. Hopefully, the Fins don't have their hearts set on stealing him away. 

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