Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is facing Texas in the College Football Playoff Semifinal tonight, giving him another chance to help his NFL Draft stock.
After a strong season, Egbuka is widely regarded as a first-round talent. Let’s examine his draft projection, scouting report, and several potential landing spots for the Ohio State star.
Emeka Egbuka’s Draft Projection and Scouting Report
Egbuka joined the Buckeyes in the same recruiting class as 2024 No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. In fact, Egbuka was the higher-rated recruit coming out of high school.
A five-star recruit out of Steilacoom, Wash., Egbuka drew comparisons to past early-round picks. And as soon as he reached eligibility, it seemed as though he was following that same trajectory.
Alongside Harrison in 2022, Egbuka racked up 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns while also adding 87 yards and two scores on 11 carries. As both a RAC weapon and a surgical independent separator, Egbuka showcased extremely enticing potential.
That potential was still prevalent in 2023, but new uncertainties came to light. Egbuka struggled to stay healthy throughout the season and ended up needing surgery for an ankle injury. Through it all, he managed only 41 catches for 515 yards and four scores.
Ultimately, Egbuka chose to return to school for his senior season in order to improve his stock after a down year. This season, he has caught 70 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns.
In Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator, Egbuka has an ADP of 19.4. Here’s a look at how his ADP has changed over time.
Egbuka is one of the most exciting utility WRs to hit the circuit in recent years. And when you run Egbuka’s profile through the three-level threat framework, his physical tools and his projected versatility begin to shine.
As an athlete, Egbuka is extremely explosive, fluid, and flexible, with more than enough vertical speed. He can sear and slice his way through zone coverage looks but also has the intentional movement, snappy suddenness, and spatial awareness to win against man coverage.
Though he isn’t quite as consistent at the catch point, Egbuka has flashed the skills of a fairly instinctive converter with good reaction speed and body control, and he also has an ideal RAC profile with his lean 205-pound frame, explosiveness, and agility.
Overall, Egbuka has the feel of a solid three-level threat WR with exciting alignment and usage versatility. Coaches can scheme him touches on jet sweeps, swings, drags, screens, and other short routes. But he also has the full route tree and complete skill set to be employed in countless other ways. With his high-end tools and his ability to blend into many different roles, Egbuka is no doubt a Round 1 prospect.
Potential Landing Spots for Egbuka in the 2025 NFL Draft
Here are several possible destinations for the Ohio State star wide receiver.
Buffalo Bills
In PFN’s most recent seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft, Egbuka was selected by the Buffalo Bills late in the first round. Here is what PFN’s Jacob Infante said about the pick:
“With Josh Allen already playing at an MVP level, the Bills taking a wide receiver in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft could be perceived as a luxury pick. However, few teams around the league are in as good of a position to do exactly that.
“Emeka Egbuka is a sturdy, reliable receiver with good hands and quick lateral movements as both a route runner and a ball carrier. Don’t let the hype around his past and current Buckeye teammates fool you; Egbuka’s tape looks the part of a future NFL starting wide receiver.”
Pittsburgh Steelers
With the 2025 QB situation still unclear in Pittsburgh, the best thing the team could do right now is focus on providing weapons for whoever ends up being their signal-caller long-term.
George Pickens is Pittsburgh’s only reliable wide receiver, and the Steelers have been linked to numerous wide receivers on the trade market.
Landing a wide receiver who complements Pickens and improves the passing attack will likely be a priority this offseason. Pairing the 22-year-old Egbuka with the 23-year-old Pickens could give Pittsburgh a solid one-two punch going forward.
Denver Broncos
Bo Nix appears to be the future for the Denver Broncos at quarterback, but who is the future for Denver at wide receiver?
Courtland Sutton has stepped up and developed a connection with Nix, but he turns 30 next season and is entering the final year of his contract.
Marvin Mims Jr. has disappointed, and Troy Franklin hasn’t emerged as a significant contributor. Seventh-round pick Devaughn Vele has been a pleasant surprise, but he’s more of a depth piece.
The Broncos will want to get Nix another weapon so he can take the next step in his development.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback Jayden Daniels has taken D.C. by storm this season. He looks like a superstar in the making and adding more weapons around him will only make his life easier.
Veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been excellent this year, but like Sutton, he’s about to turn 30 years old and enter the final year of his contract. Pairing McLaurin with another threat could make the Commanders’ offense even scarier.
Washington doesn’t have a reliable WR2 on their roster. Aside from McLaurin, the Commanders’ WRs are Olamide Zaccheaus, Noah Brown, Dyami Brown, and Luke McCaffrey. The lack of a WR2 is why tight end Zach Ertz has essentially become Washington’s No. 2 option this year, which isn’t sustainable since he’s 34 years old.