Micah Huff's final seven-round USC mock NFL draft for 2026

TL;DR

Makai Lemon is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, likely going to the New York Jets at pick 16. USC could have between five to seven players selected this year, marking a significant improvement from the previous draft.

Key points

Makai Lemon projected as first-round pick in 2026 NFL Draft
New York Jets likely to select Lemon at pick 16
USC could have five to seven players drafted this year
Previous year saw only three USC players selected
Lemon's skills fit Jets' need for receiver help

Makai LemonNew York JetsUSC Trojans

In the last NFL draft, it was not until the third round that a USC Trojan heard his name called. A total of three players were picked at some point in the 2025 NFL draft. This year will be different. While Makai Lemon's projection is all over the place, he seems guaranteed to be selected in the first round. As for other potential draftees, there should be at least five Trojans that will be picked, with a ceiling of seven. There should be a great deal of representation for USC, with a handful of teams getting high-quality players to add to their organizations.

Here is my final NFL mock draft and projection for where all the USC Trojans will land:

Round 1, pick 16 - New York Jets - Makai Lemon

The New York Jets are desperate for receiver help, and the thought of a receiver duo of Makai Lemon and Garrett Wilson intrigues me a ton. I think at pick 16 the Jets are going to take a weapon, and I think Lemon will be that guy that falls to them right at 16. Geno Smith had great success with Tyler Lockett. I think Smith can replicate that and then some with Makai Lemon. Makai Lemon will also be the perfect weapon for a young quarterback in the future.

Round 3, pick 74 - Kansas City Chiefs - Kamari Ramsey

The Chiefs lost a lot in the backend of their secondary, yet with them being a winning organization, it will be a plug-and-play mindset heading into the draft. Kamari Ramsey is a plug-and-play player who can shine on day 1. He is a versatile safety who excels in coverage and has no problem stepping up and making a tackle. I think Steve Spagnuolo's scheme and Kamari Ramsey's skill set will be a perfect match.

Q&A

Who is Makai Lemon and why is he projected as a first-round pick?

Makai Lemon is a USC Trojan wide receiver projected to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft due to his impressive skills and the New York Jets' need for receiver help.

How many USC players are expected to be drafted in 2026?

At least five USC players are expected to be drafted in 2026, with a possibility of up to seven selections.

What team is projected to draft Makai Lemon?

Makai Lemon is projected to be drafted by the New York Jets with the 16th pick in the first round.

What impact could Makai Lemon have on the New York Jets?

Makai Lemon could significantly enhance the Jets' receiving corps, pairing well with Garrett Wilson and providing a valuable weapon for their quarterback.