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Makai Lemon’s Combine Interviews Draw Scout Backlash as New Video Fuels Concerns

Scout accounts of poor interviews are prompting fresh scrutiny of the Biletnikoff winner’s first-round standing.

Overview

  • A newly circulated drill video shows Lemon appearing disengaged during instructions and later missing a pass, intensifying questions raised during his podium session.
  • Former NFL lineman Breiden Fehoko relayed a scout’s view that Lemon “absolutely bombed” interviews, and reporter Anthony Betts said he was told some teams removed the USC receiver from their boards.
  • Lemon’s viral media clip featured him naming Amon-Ra St. Brown as his model, with several outlets focusing on his body language and delivery rather than his answers.
  • Despite the interview narrative, evaluators praised his on-field work in Indianapolis, with CBS SportsJP Acosta giving his drills an A- and ESPN’s Jordan Reid highlighting fluid routes and tough catches.
  • The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner posted 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, and multiple reports still project him in Round 1 as teams continue evaluations ahead of the April 23 draft.