Ravens predicted to select star USC receiver in 2026 draft to help Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens have a plethora of needs to address this offseason after missing the playoffs in 2025, especially at wide receiver.

Outside of Zay Flowers, Baltimore lacks reliable players in the receiver room. In order to make it back to the postseason and have success moving forward with a new coach and Lamar Jackson at quarterback, general manager Eric DeCosta should add another weapon to the offense.

FanSided's Tarringo Basile-Vaughan predicts the Ravens will use their first-round pick in April's draft, slated at No. 14 overall, on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.

Here is ESPN's Mel Kiper's scouting report of Lemon:

"This kid is a warrior who plays with passion. I'd want Lemon on my roster. He snatches the ball away from his body in an attacking manner then runs with a fierce approach after the catch. He is one of my favorite players in the class, and he ranked in the top 10 in the nation in receiving yards."

Lemon had a dynamic 2025 season for the Trojans, snagging 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. The junior receiver has the versatility to play on the perimeter and in the slot, and is arguably the best receiver after the catch in this year's draft.

Pairing Lemon with Flowers would give Jackson an electric wide receiver duo and take Baltimore's offense to the next level.

Though addressing the pass rush in Round 1 of the draft would also be a logical move from the Ravens, Baltimore should prioritize their franchise quarterback by providing Jackson with a shiny new receiver. Lemon would be a seamless fit next to Flowers and has the potential to transform the Ravens' offense.