The Carolina Panthers are expected to select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to PFSN’s Cameron Sheath. After finishing the 2025 season with an 8-9 record and narrowly missing the AFC Divisional Round, the Panthers seek to enhance their offensive weapons around quarterback Bryce Young, focusing on adding a reliable slot receiver.
Examining Carolina’s Recent Draft Trends at Receiver
The Panthers have consistently prioritized the wide receiver position in recent drafts, selecting a receiver in five of the last six drafts. Their recent first- and second-round picks include Terrace Marshall Jr. (2021, 2nd round), Jonathan Mingo (2023, 2nd round), Xavier Legette (2024, 1st round), and Tetairoa McMillan (2025, 1st round). Despite this focus, the team aims to continue bolstering this area with another receiver to support Bryce Young’s development.
Sheath pointed out the ongoing strategy, writing,
“The Carolina Panthers have taken a wide receiver in the first round of each of the last two drafts,”
illustrating the front office’s intent to keep investing in this position.
Makai Lemon’s Growth and Fit with the Panthers’ Offense
Lemon’s collegiate career at USC showed marked improvement each year, setting the stage for his expected early selection. After a modest freshman season in 2023 with six catches for 88 yards, he expanded his role significantly in 2024, accumulating 764 yards and three touchdowns. His standout 2025 campaign saw him record 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns, complemented by two rushing scores.
Regarding Lemon’s compatibility with Bryce Young’s playing style, Sheath commented,
“Bryce Young seems to be at his best when given a reliable slot receiver to lean on, and Lemon fits that mold perfectly. The USC product blew up in 2025, catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 scores. The Panthers need to build on an impressive 2025 season, and Lemon is probably the best player still on the board.”
Current Receiving Corps Performance and Team Needs
The Panthers saw immediate returns with rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who recorded 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in the 2025 season. However, Xavier Legette, selected in 2024, has struggled to meet expectations, compiling just 860 yards and seven touchdowns over two seasons. This gap suggests Carolina’s urgency to complement or surpass Legette’s production with a dependable WR2 option.
Lemon’s trajectory and productivity offer a promising solution for the Panthers as they look to strengthen their receiving options for Young’s sophomore season. Bringing in a receiver from a high-profile program like USC could provide new energy and consistency to the offense.
Outlook for the 2026 Season and Panthers’ Offensive Potential
The 2026 campaign presents a significant opportunity for Carolina to see its receivers reach new heights. If Legette finds his stride alongside veterans and young talents like McMillan and the incoming Makai Lemon, the Panthers could unleash a dynamic passing attack led by Bryce Young. The draft will reveal whether the Panthers prioritize adding Lemon as their next key target amid a league-wide search for reliable wide receivers.
