As college football wraps up its conference championship weekend and the NFL playoff picture starts to take shape, it’s officially mock draft season. And for the San Francisco 49ers, the latest projection from draft analyst Dane Brugler might have fans buzzing - and for good reason.
With the 24th overall pick, Brugler has the Niners selecting USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, a move that could quietly become one of the most impactful picks of the first round. Given the current state of San Francisco’s wide receiver room, this isn’t just a flashy pick - it’s a necessary one.
A Position of Need - and Fast
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Niners are staring down major changes at wide receiver. Brandon Aiyuk and the team seem headed for a breakup that’s felt inevitable for some time now.
Jauan Jennings also appears poised to move on this offseason. That leaves a gaping hole in a position group that has been critical to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive identity.
Enter Makai Lemon.
The Production Speaks for Itself
Lemon isn’t just a name climbing draft boards - he’s been one of the most productive receivers in college football this season. The junior leads the Big Ten in receptions (79), receiving yards (1,156), and touchdowns (11). That’s not just good - that’s "put-the-tape-on-and-watch-him-take-over-games" good.
And this isn’t a one-season wonder story. Lemon posted 52 catches for 764 yards and three scores as a sophomore, showing steady development and consistency - two traits NFL evaluators love to see.
The Fit in Shanahan’s Offense
Physically, Lemon doesn’t jump off the page. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, he’s not the kind of prospect who wins with size or speed alone. But what he does bring is exactly what Kyle Shanahan covets: elite route running, sharp change-of-direction skills, and toughness at the catch point.
Brugler summed it up well: "What Lemon lacks in size, he makes up for with his manipulative route running and competitive finishing skills at the catch point." That’s the kind of receiver who can thrive in Shanahan’s offense, where timing, precision, and yards after the catch are gold.
And yes, if you’re hearing Amon-Ra St. Brown comparisons, you’re not alone. Brugler made that connection too, and it’s not just lazy comp talk - there are real similarities in how both receivers win with technique, toughness, and football IQ.
Elite Metrics Back It Up
Lemon’s tape is strong, but the numbers are just as convincing. He owns the third-highest wide receiver grade in the country (90.4) and boasts elite efficiency metrics:
- 3.13 yards per route run
- 66.7% contested catch rate
- 2.5% drop rate
- 81.0 grade against man coverage
Those stats paint the picture of a receiver who can separate, finish through contact, and make plays in traffic - all while being reliable with the ball in his hands. That’s a rare combination, especially for a player who might still be available in the back half of the first round.
A Potential Steal at No. 24
Brugler ranks Lemon as the 20th-best prospect on his big board, while Pro Football Focus slots him even higher at No. 9 overall. If he’s still on the board when San Francisco is on the clock at 24, it’s hard to imagine the Niners passing on him - especially given their urgent need at the position.
This isn’t just about replacing bodies - it’s about injecting the offense with a young, high-upside playmaker who fits the system like a glove. Lemon brings polish, production, and playmaking ability - and in Shanahan’s scheme, that could be a dangerous combination.
If this mock plays out, the 49ers might walk away with one of the best value picks in the first round - and a wide receiver who could become a staple in their offense for years to come.