CBS Sports’ football analyst Cooper Petagna mocked the Arizona Cardinals to take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Petagna mocks Lemon at No. 9 as the second receiver taken in the first round, notably ahead of Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, whom he projected to the Cleveland Browns at No. 18.
Lemon has been one of the best receivers in the Big Ten Conference this season, registering 48 catches (2nd in conference), 758 yards (2nd) and six touchdowns (T-5th). Through 28 games in his college career, the junior wideout has caught 106 passes for 1,610 yards and nine touchdowns.
Petagna said that Lemon’s explosiveness in the slot could give the Cardinals a WR2 option to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr.
Only halfway through the season, Lemon has generated plenty of buzz in league circles, with his playmaking ability taking center stage for the Trojans. Just under 6-foot, the California native plays bigger than his frame, consistently creating explosive plays both from the slot and on the perimeter while serving as a go-to target in the red zone. Although the Cardinals could look elsewhere, general manager Monti Ossenfort gladly turns in the card to pair Lemon with Marvin Harrison Jr.
Cardinals’ receiving production so far in 2025
While the Cardinals could go several different directions in the first round, wide receiver could be an option for a team that has struggled to get receiving production outside of Harrison and tight end Trey McBride.
Through seven games this season, McBride leads the Cardinals in several receiving categories, including receptions (47), targets (66), yards (421) and touchdowns (4).
Meanwhile, Harrison is the only wide receiver on the team with more than 20 catches and 300 yards so far this season.