The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a heartbreaking end to their season. In his first year as head coach, Jim Harbaugh led the team to the playoffs for just the second time in Justin Herbert’s career, but their postseason run ended in disaster.
The Chargers collapsed in shocking fashion, getting blown out by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round, abruptly ending their season.
One of the few bright spots? Ladd McConkey, who racked up 1,149 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie campaign. Now, with Joshua Palmer leaving in free agency, Los Angeles is expected to add another young weapon to its receiving corps in the 2025 NFL Draft—Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka.
Los Angeles Chargers Projected To Select Emeka Egbuka
The Chargers’ offense struggled when it mattered most. Their unit, which ranked 17th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric, completely fell apart in the playoffs. Herbert threw four interceptions in the loss to Houston.
Harbaugh’s conservative, run-heavy approach helped stabilize the team during the season, but multiple analysts believe Los Angeles needs to lean more on Herbert’s passing ability.
To do that, it needs another reliable weapon alongside McConkey. The team’s free-agency moves haven’t provided enough help. Los Angeles re-signed Mike Williams, but he isn’t the same player he was in his previous stint with the team. Quentin Johnston has been inconsistent, leaving a major hole at wide receiver—one that Egbuka could fill.
PFSN’s latest three-round mock draft by Marco Enrique projects the Chargers will select Egbuka 22nd overall, arguing that he would be an ideal fit alongside McConkey.
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“The Los Angeles Chargers’ first season under Jim Harbaugh was a step in the right direction. The emergence of Ladd McConkey and the healthiest season of J.K. Dobbins’ career kept the offense moving, but it’s clear that Justin Herbert needs another weapon.
“Emeka Egbuka provides reliable hands and route running out of the slot and fits perfectly alongside McConkey. Egbuka set the record for career receptions at Ohio State and was a consistent difference-maker for the Buckeyes.”
At 6-foot-1 with elite footwork and separation skills, Egbuka brings a dynamic skill set that would immediately elevate the Chargers’ offense.
During his time at Ohio State, Egbuka totaled 24 touchdowns and 2,868 receiving yards, proving himself as a reliable red-zone threat. His ability to exploit coverage gaps and create separation off the line would give Herbert a much-needed target in third-down and clutch situations.
If Los Angeles does land Egbuka, its receiving corps could be one of the most promising young groups in the AFC—and a key to Herbert’s success in 2025.