Dolphins get good news on 'ideal' option with 11th overall pick in 11-TD WR

Apr 13, 2026 - 01:30

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Dolphins get good news on 'ideal' option with 11th overall pick in 11-TD WR originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a lot of needs all across the roster. They could use more help in the secondary, in the trenches, and especially at wide receiver.

After signing Malik Willis, the Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos, landing an extra first and third rounder. Miami now needs to add more help to the WR room, and the 11th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is a great spot to do so.

At that pick, James Reber for NFL.com revealed some good news about the Dolphins' "ideal" selection with the 11th pick, as USC's Makai Lemon is not just the best option for Miami, but also a realistic option with that selection as well.

Dolphins 'ideal' first-rounder realistic to fall to 11th pick

"With a number of needs and 11 total draft picks to address them, the Dolphins could make a splash at No. 11," Reber writes. "The reigning Biletnikoff Award winner could supply that."

There's a major need at wide receiver, and Lemon, the USC receiver, would be a great option to add to the room during the 2026 NFL Draft.

And Reber's naming of Lemon as an "ideal" option for the Dolphins, while also being someone realistically available with this pick, is some good news.

Being able to land Lemon, their "ideal" pick, would be a huge help for the Dolphins' offense in Willis' first year with the team.

More: Denzel Boston named ideal fit for Dolphins at pick No. 30

Reber believes he's likely to make it to the 11th pick, which could give the Dolphins a new top WR without having to move up in the draft.

Last season for USC, Lemon put up 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those ranked 11th, 8th, and 9th in the country, respectively.

With a depleted WR room, the Dolphins adding Lemon would be exactly what they need to do. His inside-outside versatility is an appealing trait, and he could be the spark in the offense the Dolphins are looking for.

Willis cannot go into 2026 with the current WR room, and adding one in a strong draft class makes a lot of sense. Lemon is one of the best and should be available with the 11th pick, which is good news for Miami, as he'd be their "ideal" pick according to Reber.