Overlooked potential destinations for Makai Lemon in 2026 NFL draft

Philadelphia Eagles

The worst-kept secret in the league is that A.J. Brown will be off the Eagles before the training camp and post-June 1st. The Eagles' receiver room has some talent, but it could use another weapon. The Eagles have pick 23, and there is a real possibility that Makai Lemon could fall, and Howie Roseman knows the importance of offensive playmakers. Makai Lemon would be a great weapon to make things easier on Jalen Hurts, and he would improve this run game dramatically, with his ability to block and how much he would elevate the pass game. The Eagles are at their best when they can run the ball and be physical. Makai Lemon is a can't-miss culture fit for Philadelphia.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers receiver room drastically gotten better last season. Tetairoa McMillan won offensive rookie of the year, and he was a big reason that the Panthers went on to make the playoffs. You get Bryce Young weapons, and the Panthers see success. Young took a step forward, and I think he could take an even bigger step with a weapon like Makai Lemon added to the mix. Makai Lemon can dominate in the slot and on the outside, all while being the perfect complement to Tetairoa McMillan. The Panthers went all in on their needs defensively, allowing them to take a big swing and take the best player available. If Makai Lemon slides to pick 19, the Panthers need to take him and not think twice.

Chicago Bears

The Bears taking an offensive weapon at pick 25 would be a head scratcher to everyone around the league and a nightmare for Bears fans. Ben Johnson, however, knows what he is doing, and he knows what this team needs to take a step further offensively. Makai Lemon already has a great relationship with Caleb Williams, and he is a weapon that can slide into this Bears offense and offer something different than other Bears playmakers. Rome Odunze, Makai Lemon, and Luther Burden are as good an offensive trio in the NFL as you could cultivate. I think Lemon, if he falls to pick 25, not extremely likely but not impossible, would fall right into Ryan Poles' best player available draft strategy. Keeping your franchise quarterback happy and successful seems like a no-brainer to me.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Makai Lemon could fall in NFL draft and join non-Rams title contender