Jets have 3 WRs with first-round grades, and Makai Lemon is not one of them

Jets have 3 WRs with first-round grades, and Makai Lemon is not one of them originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Jets are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a few clear needs at three positions. Those positions are edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver.

While edge looks locked into the second-overall pick, the Jets own the 16th and 33rd picks, which could be used to stick-and-pick or move around for a first-round receiver. But which WRs do the Jets view as first-round caliber prospects?

According to NFL insider Tony Pauline for Essentially Sports, the Jets have three WRs with first-round grades. And, surprisingly, USC's Makai Lemon isn't one of them, according to this rumor.

Jets reportedly don't have 1st-round grade on Makai Lemon

"I'm told the Jets have first-round grades on the following receivers: Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and (Denzel) Boston," Paulin writes.

Lemon, the USC wide receiver, is one of the NFL Draft's best receivers. Many analysts have Lemon as a top-three wide receiver, with some having him as the second-best WR in this year's class.

But, with Pauline's report not including Lemon in the Jets' first-round wide receiver grades, it seems like the USC prospect isn't an option for the Jets in Round 1.

Despite winning the Biletnikoff Award this past season for his 79-reception, 1,156-yard, and 11-touchdown season for the Trojans, Lemon isn't among the first-round WRs for the Jets.

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Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson being named among the Jets' first-round WR grades isn't much of a surprise, as they've been two of the top WRs by consensus.