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Dolphins get good news on 'ideal' option with 11th overall pick in 11-TD WR
TL;DR
The Miami Dolphins are poised to make a significant move in the 2026 NFL Draft with the 11th overall pick, targeting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon as their ideal selection. This comes after trading Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, which has increased their need for wide receiver depth.
Dolphins get good news on 'ideal' option with 11th overall pick in 11-TD WR originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a lot of needs all across the roster. They could use more help in the secondary, in the trenches, and especially at wide receiver.
After signing Malik Willis, the Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, landing an extra first and third rounder. Miami now needs to add more help to the WR room, and the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a great spot to do so.
At that pick, James Reber for NFL.com revealed some good news about the Dolphins' "ideal" selection with the 11th pick, as USC's Makai Lemon is not just the best option for Miami, but also a realistic option with that selection as well.
Dolphins 'ideal' first-rounder realistic to fall to 11th pick
"With a number of needs and 11 total draft picks to address them, the Dolphins could make a splash at No. 11," Reber writes. "The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner could supply that."
There's a major need at wide receiver, and Lemon, the USC receiver, would be a great option to add to the room during the 2026 NFL Draft.
And Reber's naming of Lemon as an "ideal" option for the Dolphins, while also being someone realistically available with this pick, is some good news.
Being able to land Lemon, their "ideal" pick, would be a huge help for the Dolphins' offense in Willis' first year with the team.
More: Denzel Boston named ideal fit for Dolphins at pick No. 30
Reber believes he's likely to make it to the 11th pick, which could give the Dolphins a new top WR without having to move up in the draft.
Last season for USC, Lemon put up 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those ranked 11th, 8th, and 9th in the country, respectively.
With a depleted WR room, the Dolphins adding Lemon would be exactly what they need to do. His inside-outside versatility is an appealing trait, and he could be the spark in the offense the Dolphins are looking for.
Willis cannot go into 2026 with the current WR room, and adding one in a strong draft class makes a lot of sense. Lemon is one of the best and should be available with the 11th pick, which is good news for Miami, as he'd be their "ideal" pick according to Reber.
More Dolphins news:
- Dolphins trade Minkah Fitzpatrick to Jets for late round pick
- Dolphins most overpaid player is Zach Seiler
- Dolphins 'ideal' first round involves zero WRs, instead two defensive backs
- Dolphins have 36.7% chance for Malik Willis signing to work out
- Dolphins linked to Stefon Diggs as possible Jaylen Waddle replacement
Q&A
Who is Makai Lemon and why is he considered an ideal pick for the Dolphins?
Makai Lemon is a wide receiver from USC, viewed as the best option for the Dolphins due to his skill set and the team's pressing need for wide receiver talent.
What trades did the Dolphins make leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, acquiring an extra first and third-round pick in the process.
How does the Dolphins' 11th overall pick impact their roster needs?
The 11th overall pick provides the Dolphins with a prime opportunity to address their wide receiver needs, especially after the recent trade of Waddle.
