Makai Lemon Scouting Report: 2026 Rookie Draft Must-Have? | CouchScouts Ep. 117

He is the reigning Biletnikoff winner with a class-leading 91.4 PFF receiving grade, yet some dynasty managers are hesitant to label the 5’11", 195 lb Makai Lemon a true WR1. In this episode, we go beyond the box score to determine if Lemon is just a slot merchant or if his film reveals a "Steve Smith-esque" alpha receiver ready to dominate the NFL.

Episode Timestamps

• 03:15 – The Data Profile: 91.4 PFF Grade & 3.13 Yards Per Route Run.

• 06:30 – Route Running: Can he beat press coverage on the outside?

• 12:45 – The "Steve Smith" Factor: Breaking down his elite contested catch ability.

• 18:20 – YAC Analysis: Instincts, body control, and breaking tackles.

• 24:50 – Speed & Athleticism: Is he fast enough for the next level?

• 30:00 – Final Film Grades & Dynasty Rookie Draft Valuation.

1. Route Running: A Technician Against All Coverages

The biggest knock on sub-6-foot receivers is often their inability to beat physical press coverage. Makai Lemon dispels that myth on tape. He posted an 81.0 grade against man coverage and a staggering 88.1 against zone, proving he can win at all three levels of the field.

We specifically analyzed his performance against Notre Dame—an NFL-caliber secondary—where he was pressed frequently. Lemon consistently used excellent footwork and violent hands to clear the jam, showing zero issues with physicality. He sinks his hips effortlessly on intermediate routes and possesses the high football IQ to find soft spots in zone coverage instantly.

2. Ball Skills: The "Steve Smith" Comparison

This is where Lemon separates himself from other "undersized" prospects. He isn't just a finesse player; he plays with a bully mentality. In 2025, Lemon secured 66.7% of his contested targets (on 15 attempts) and dropped only 2.5% of passes thrown his way.

The film shows a player with an elite catch radius for his size. He attacks the football at its highest point and boxes out defenders much larger than him. As noted in the episode, he might be the best under-6-foot contested catcher we have scouted since Steve Smith. He doesn't let the ball get into his body; he snatches it with strong hands and immediately transitions into a runner.

3. YAC & Athleticism: Instincts Over Raw Speed

While Lemon may not possess Tyreek Hill-level breakaway speed (we graded his speed around a 7.5/10), his game speed and instincts are elite. He forced 21 missed tackles last season—a 26% missed tackle rate per reception.

His run-after-catch ability isn't just about juking defenders; it's about spatial awareness. Lemon seems to have "eyes in the back of his head," feeling defenders closing in and making subtle shifts to extend plays. He is fluid, explosive out of his breaks, and runs with a running back's center of gravity, making him difficult to bring down on first contact.

The Verdict

With a composite CouchScouts film grade of 79.68, Makai Lemon grades out as a borderline elite prospect. He offers a rare combination of slot-ready agility and perimeter toughness. Regardless of his height, he is a high-floor, high-ceiling asset that should be considered a lock for the top half of the first round in 2026 dynasty rookie drafts.

Want to see the film yourself? Join the CouchScouts to unlock the full Makai Lemon Scouting Profile and access our database of All-22 cutups. Want to join the conversation? Join our free Discord to engage with a community of 250+ Dynasty Fantasy Football enthusiasts and get real-time advice.