Ian Rapoport just dropped huge news for Jets fans eyeing Makai Lemon

New York Jets fans hoping to see USC wide receiver Makai Lemon fall to pick No. 16 in this year's NL Draft just received some very encouraging news.

Speaking on NFL Network this week, Ian Rapoport reported that his current read on the wide receiver class is that only two receivers are expected to come off the board in the first 15 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft.

He added that there is a “pretty decent chance” Lemon is the third receiver selected, with the USC star likely to go shortly after pick No. 15. The Jets, of course, are the current owners of the No. 16 overall pick.

If Rapoport’s report proves to be accurate, Lemon could be sitting there when the Jets are on the clock. And for Jets fans who view the former USC standout as an ideal target at pick 16, that is exactly the kind of mid-April buzz they were hoping to hear.

Makai Lemon might fall into the Jets' laps at No. 16 overall

Several teams picking early are expected to prioritize offensive line, edge rusher, and cornerback, according to Rapoport, which could push receivers down the board despite a relatively strong class at the position.

Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are two names often mentioned near the top of the receiver group, which could leave Lemon available longer than some expect. Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. is another wideout in the mix to be selected ahead of Lemon.

If that happens, the Jets should be thrilled. Lemon is arguably the most polished receiver in this class and is coming off a 2025 season that earned him the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to college football’s top wide receiver.

He has drawn comparisons to players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, while others have pointed to a stylistic resemblance to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He's not the biggest or fastest receiver in this class, but Lemon wins with route running, timing, and separation.

He is widely viewed as one of the best separators in this draft, and that trait often translates quickly to the NFL. While he may not have elite size at 5-foot-11 and 194 pounds or eye-popping straight-line speed, receivers who consistently create space tend to thrive at the next level.

Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell currently headline the Jets’ receiver room, but the team could still use another reliable weapon who can win underneath, move around the formation, and make life easier on the quarterback. Lemon checks all of those boxes.

Nothing is guaranteed this time of year, and draft smoke should always be taken carefully. But if Rapoport is right and Lemon is still available at No. 16, the Jets may be staring at their dream target in the middle of the first round.