ESPN intel: WR in NFL draft class drawing Amon-Ra St. Brown comps

The 2026 NFL draft will be here on Thursday night from the Steel City.

As the Detroit Lions ready to draft at pick No. 17 overall, final bits of intel are trickling out from top NFL insiders. Barring a major shock, the Lions aren't in the market to draft a wide receiver early. The cupboard is already stocked with superstars Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

But, one receiver in this 2026 NFL draft class is drawing comps to Amon-Ra St. Brown according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.

There were a few front office executives who predicted that USC wide receiver Makai Lemon would go slightly later than projected, yet one coach compared him with Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Lemon is ninth on Mel Kiper Jr.'s Big Board.

"This kid is a baller," the coach said about Lemon. "This kid's ball skills are just as good, if not better, than St. Brown's. If he would block in the run game, this kid is going to have the same impact if you use him the right way."

Again, the Lions aren't looking to scoop up the best available receiver in this class given their needs elsewhere at offensive tackle, EDGE, defensive tackle and cornerback. But, it's a nice reminder of St. Brown's star power and how league execs, coaches and scouts view the Lions superstar.