NFL expert blows storm clouds over Rams' interest in WR Makai Lemon

Makai Lemon is one of the most popular mock draft picks for the Los Angeles Rams, understandably so. He is coming off an outstanding season at USC in which he demonstrated a versatile playmaking skill set and high-level production. Sean McVay would put him to good use in the Rams' offense.

Not everyone, however, is so high on the Trojans' All-American. Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, for one, doesn't even have Lemon among his top five receiver prospects in the 2026 draft. Instead, he included Lemon among his honorable mentions at the position, which he evaluated in an episode of the Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast.  

"I don't really think he's a first-round wide receiver." - Chris Simms on USC WR Makai Lemon

Why not? Simms touched on several concerns that should at least give Rams fans pause before committing to Lemon as LA's best choice with the No. 13 selection in this year's draft. 

Lemon's unspectacular physical traits could cap his NFL ceiling

One thing that stood out to Simms when he watched Lemon's tape is that the 5-foot-11 pass-catcher lacks the same level of athletic explosion as other top prospects. 

"Hey, he's got no glaring weakness, but I will say, he's not as impressive athletically as I thought," Simms quoted his film notes. "His speed and explosion are not at the same level as some of the other top guys." 

While Lemon did post a 4.46 40-time as USC's Pro Day, Simms noted that those figures tend not to be as accurate as the numbers recorded at the NFL Combine, where Lemon did not test. Superior timing technology available at the combine often tacks on an additional 0.1 to 0.05 seconds. 

Of course, middling speed isn't a death sentence to NFL success. The Rams have a prime example in Puka Nacua, who ran a 4.57 40-yard dash. Unlike Nacua, though, Lemon's smaller size impacts his overall strength and explosiveness. Simms' co-host Connor Rogers believes that this could limit his ability to break tackles and accrue yards after the catch in the pros. Simms agrees.

He was particularly bothered that Lemon did not participate in jumps or the three-cone drill at Pro Day, key measures for athleticism and agility. Although not a dealbreaker, that could be a red flag for his athletic upside.

Another thing: "You know, he was featured in a wide-receiver-friendly offense, and I think because of that, that's where maybe at least in my estimation he's been a hair overrated."

Playing in the West Coast, pass-happy USC offense, Lemon racked up 79 catches and 1,156 receiving yards last season.

What would Zachariah Branch's numbers look like in that environment, Simms wondered. Branch, his fifth-ranked receiver, amassed 811 yards at Georgia while averaging 10 yards per catch. 

All are fair reasons to have second thoughts about drafting Lemon as high as 13th overall. Coming from Simms, a sometimes unorthodox but savvy prognosticator of NFL talent, the pushback is a bit concerning. Are the cons enough to outweigh the pros in Lemon's game as a playmaker and, at least in college, a very productive contributor?

With the draft less than four weeks away, that's for the Rams to find out as they continue to conduct their own research and evaluations.