The New England Patriots are set to have a very different receiver room in 2026 compared to 2025. Romeo Doubs was signed as a replacement for Stefon Diggs, and reports have emerged that an A.J. Brown trade is inevitable following June 1.
Regardless of whether Brown is traded to New England or not, they could continue to look to add to their receiver room. They won't be able to trade any of their picks in 2026 for Brown, so they could utilize their 2026 cache to move up the board for another top prospect.
According to NextGen Stats' metrics, Lemon has the highest production score in the class among wide receivers (91/99), but ranks 33rd in athletic score (65/99). His lack of size and top-end speed could lead to a slide down the board, especially if teams opt for wideouts like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, or Omar Cooper in the top 20 instead of the USC slot receiver.
Makai Lemon could a player the Patriots consider worth trading up for
If Lemon is to be selected in the top 20, the Patriots may not have the capital to swing a trade, but should he slide to the early twenties, he could very well be worth a trade up.
In a recent article by Matt Legros of Patriots Wire, Lemon is mentioned as one of three players New England could strongly consider moving up for, along with Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Miami edge defender Akheem Mesidor.
Lemon had 79 catches for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025 with the Trojans. He consistently found ways to get involved, even if his yardage totals weren't always elite. Across his final two games, he averaged 4 catches for 33 yards, a far cry from his 7.1 catch, 109-yard average in his previous ten games. Despite that drop off, he still found the end zone three times in his last two contests.
A trade-up for Lemon would be somewhat costly, but not out of the question. For example, if they looked to move up with the Cowboys at No. 20, it would likely cost a package that would include their second-round pick. Using the draft value trade chart, New England could send Picks 31 and 63 for Picks 20 and 180.
The Patriots could acquire both A.J. Brown and Makai Lemon
With the reported trade for Brown occurring after June 1, New England would add yet another outside weapon to their receiving corps. Lemon played 86% of his snaps in the slot this past season, making him more unique compared to other players in the room.
It seems a safe assumption that the addition of Brown will bump Kayshon Boutte off the roster, as he'd have trade value and is in a contract year. To think Boutte could be included in the package for Brown also isn't unreasonable.
If Lemon were to be selected and Boutte were included in a package for Brown, New England could quickly have constructed one of the league's best groups. Brown and Doubs would start on the outside, while the USC rookie would start in the slot. Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Pop Douglas, and Efton Chism III would compete for roles beyond the three starters.
While swinging a trade for Lemon wouldn't be easy, it would certainly make New England's receiving corps one of the more impressive ones in the league.
Between Brown, Lemon, and excellent depth options, Drake Maye would have plenty to work with as they'll look to return to the Super Bowl in 2026.
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