USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon
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Makai Lemon of the USC Trojans speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
It’s still a guessing game as to what the Pittsburgh Steelers will do once the 2026 NFL Draft arrives on April 23. But most in Steel City are hoping it leans toward the offense.
In just about every mock draft you look at, the Steelers are projected to take an offensive player. Some lean toward Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, whether Aaron Rodgers returns or not.
Others point to another glaring need on offense: wide receiver.
That’s where Pittsburgh has been tied to multiple names — Washington’s Denzel Boston, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson or USC’s Makai Lemon. It seems to change with every mock draft.
One of the favorites among Steelers fans has been Lemon, who is coming off an impressive season with the Trojans, tallying 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, after hearing rumblings about how his interviews with teams went at the NFL Scouting Combine over the weekend, there may need to be a pause on the wideout.
Makai Lemon’s Combine Interviews Raise Questions
Lemon first started making headlines at the combine during his meeting with the media. The former USC receiver’s demeanor came off odd, with his intense staring at cameras quickly going viral.
That apparently was just the beginning.
Things were said to get much worse when Lemon met with teams for interviews.
“I talked to a scout just now who said he didn’t know what Makai Lemon’s motive was behind his combine interviews but whoever advised the kid needs to be fired. ‘Absolutely bombed it’ word for word,” Breiden Fehoko said.
Chris Nimbley echoed that report, saying, “Nothing concrete as to what exactly the issues were, but all who spoke with Chris agreed that Lemon did not come across well.”
NFL Draft insider Robinson L. Whittmore added that four teams have reportedly taken Lemon off their draft boards, though those teams were not disclosed.
Would the Steelers Still Consider Drafting USC’s Makai Lemon?
If these rumors prove true and teams are turned off by Lemon, his draft stock will almost certainly drop. The question is how far?
NFL analyst Jack Sperry believes it could work in Pittsburgh’s favor.
“If true, this could increase the chances of Pittsburgh having the opportunity to land Lemon in Round 1,” Sperry said. “However, if he’s representing himself that poorly in interviews, he may have a high chance of being the next ‘diva’ personality in their WR room.”
The Steelers know all too well about wide receiver drama. Antonio Brown, Diontae Johnson, Martavis Bryant and, more recently, George Pickens — who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys last year — are not forgotten in Pittsburgh.
That said, those situations unfolded under the previous regime led by Mike Tomlin for 19 seasons. It’s Mike McCarthy’s show now.
For what it’s worth, despite the criticism coming out of the combine, Lemon reportedly performed well in the workouts he participated in. And according to CBS Sports’ JP Acosta, “He’s still a Round 1 lock and could go higher than people think.”
So while the interview buzz may have raised eyebrows, Lemon’s on-field evaluation hasn’t completely shifted — at least not yet.