The best decision for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was not declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft and returning to school for another season.
As the shadow to Marvin Harrison Jr., who was the first receiver taken in that draft, Egbuka had an opportunity to shine. Although freshman Jeremiah Smith took over as the team’s top receiver, Egbuka still put forth a solid season which should make him a first round receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In 13 games, Egbuka caught 65 passes for 824 yards and 9 touchdowns. That includes a 5-catch, 81-yard performance against the Tennessee Vols in Round 1 of the college football playoffs. If he can have a similar performance against the No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks, his draft stock should rise even higher.
2025 NFL Draft: Emeka Egbuka has the athletic ability to shine in the NFL
If any team scouting Egbuka looks at his best season with Ohio State, they would see a skilled player who can rack up yards after the catch. In 2022, Egbuka hauled in 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns. Undoubtedly his best season during his tenure at OSU, Egbuka is a draft prospect who can come in a help an NFL team right away as a No. 2 option. He does have some consistency issues what can limit him as a No. 1 option, but if drafted in the right situation, he has the skillset to thrive.
In highlighting his areas of strength, Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings sees high potential in Egbuka.
“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.”
3 interesting NFL fits for Emeka Egbuka
At 6-foot-1, 2025 pounds, Egbuka has both the size and speed combination to excel at the next level. Health and consistency will be key to how much success he has, but in where he is projected to land in the 2025 NFL Draft, teams who are currently playoff contenders could look as Egbuka as a big piece to their offense. Here are 3 great landing spots for the Ohio State star.
Cincinnati Bengals: As a classic No. 2 type receiver, what better landing spot than the Bengals catching the ball from Joe Burrow? Egbuka will have huge shoes to fill with the expected departure of Tee Higgins, but skillset wise, he could be a solid No. 2 option for Burrow in the Bengals offense, especially with his yards after the catch ability.
Pittsburgh Steelers: In physicality, playmaker and run blocking ability, Egbuka might have Steelers written all over him. As a player who could go anywhere from the middle of the first round to late first round, the Ohio State star would be a great addition for a Steelers team that may be back in the hunt for a QB with both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson approaching free agency. Even with that uncertainly, Pittsburgh is typically a good landing spots for wide receivers with Egbuka’s skill.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton and the Broncos are another ideal fit for Egbuka because of his ability to create yards after the catch. In a scheme where getting the ball out quick is key, adding another receiver like Egbuka would make Bo Nix that much better. Also, his ability to run block would be another key asset in the Broncos drafting Egbuka.