Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters needs another dynamic wide receiver to go alongside Terry McLaurin. That is the case whether Brandon Aiyuk joins or not, and the best way to find a viable long-term answer is via the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Commanders need to get creative. They have the No. 7 pick but don't select again until No. 71. Peters isn't expecting much activity in the way of trade offers, but some NFL insiders think otherwise.
If the Commanders end up moving back, it opens the playing field slightly. Even so, Washington's front-office leader got another reason to pause on one of the more polarizing offensive playmakers at the top end of this class.
League skepticism around Makai Lemon could also include the Commanders
Makai Lemon is an interesting case study. The wide receiver was highly productive at USC last season, but he's a slot specialist with less-than-ideal athleticism. Projections are sketchy as a result, and the Commanders are looking for a sure thing to enhance their bounce-back chances.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler spoke to an NFL personnel executive about Lemon. They were confused as to what sort of player their team would be getting. And the rumored interview struggles throughout the assessment process were another possible red flag.
"What are you getting? I love that dude, watching him last year, but evaluating him through the spring, which version of this player will show up in my building? He didn't test great, had a couple of rough interviews from what I've been told. Seems like something is missing, or maybe I'm missing something."
Lemon's play speaks for itself. He's not the quickest or the most explosive, but he knows how to get open. He comes up with the goods in big moments, and the higher the stakes, the better he tends to perform.
That's not everything, of course. But it's not a bad foundation from which to build if Lemon lands in a controlled environment within a scheme that suits his strengths.
The Commanders have been eager to discover more about Lemon throughout their pre-draft evaluations. They brought him in for an individual workout, during which they also spoke with the prospect. Just how that meeting went won't be disclosed, but it will have given Peters all the information he needs.
Reading between the lines, taking Lemon at No. 7 is not a realistic option. A trade back increases the chances, but the possible risks involved make it a risky play at best in this scenario.
Everyone needs an edge, but Lemon has caused even more uncertainty throughout the assessment stage. He'll still go in the first round, but it is highly unlikely that he ends up in Washington.