Makai Lemon NFL draft drama could have a happy ending

Q: Why might Makai Lemon prefer to be drafted outside the top 10?

Makai Lemon may prefer to be drafted outside the top 10 to avoid joining teams like the Cleveland Browns, which have a reputation for struggling with skill position players.

Q: What are the potential draft positions for Makai Lemon in the NFL draft?

Makai Lemon is projected to be a top-six pick, with specific interest from teams like the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 and the New Orleans Saints at No. 8.

Q: How does being a top draft pick affect an NFL player's career?

Being a top draft pick typically means a higher salary and greater initial value from an NFL organization, but it can also lead to pressure and expectations that may not align with a player's career trajectory.

Makai Lemon NFL draft drama could have a happy ending

TL;DR

USC star Makai Lemon might prefer to slide out of the top 10 in the NFL draft, despite being a potential top-six pick. Concerns about joining teams like the Cleveland Browns, known for struggling with skill position players, influence his decision.

The natural desire for an NFL draft prospect is to land as high on the board as possible. It means more money. It means an NFL organization valued that athlete a lot. USC star Makai Lemon, however, might not actually want to be a top-10 pick. Phrased differently, it could work out well for him if he slides out of the top 10 on draft night.

Cleveland Browns at No. 6

Makai Lemon could be a top-six pick, but would he really want to go to Cleveland, a graveyard for promising skill position players? The money would be bigger than if he was a No. 13 or 14 pick, but the situation would be horrible.

New Orleans Saints at No. 8

Top-10 pick, but the Saints are not a particularly good team and don't have an especially bright future. The only thing going for Makai Lemon in New Orleans: The rest of the NFC South isn't especially good.

Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9

This would frankly be the dream scenario for Makai Lemon. He would be a top-10 pick yet have a perfect fit with an elite coach-quarterback combination. However, the Chiefs have so many glaring needs -- offensive line, defensive back, pass rush -- that it's hard to see them prioritizing a receiver this early in the draft.

Miami Dolphins at No. 11

Lemon could go off the board relatively early, but he would land on a team which is rebuilding and has to deal with the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. This feels like another black-hole destination for the USC receiver.

Los Angeles Rams at No. 13

This is why Makai Lemon sliding out of the top 10 could be great for him. Falling to 13 and being snapped up by the Rams would be a great outcome for Lemon. He stays in LA, gets to play with Matthew Stafford and for Sean McVay on a Super Bowl contender. He couldn't ask for much more than this.

Baltimore Ravens at No. 14

Baltimore would be another great destination and outcome for Makai Lemon. The Ravens have changed head coaches and are going to focus more on offense. Catching passes from Lamar Jackson? Yes, please.

All in all, Makai Lemon could be a lot happier at 13 or 14 than at 6, 8, or 11.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC's Makai Lemon might not want to be a top-10 NFL draft pick

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