Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been a weapon for the Ohio State Buckeyes this season. The Steilacoom, Washington State native has recorded 49 receptions for 612 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 appearances. Egbuka considered declaring for last year's draft but returned to school to increase his pre-draft stock.
Egbuka will enter the 2025 NFL Draft as a more well-rounded prospect. The versatile playmaker is a highly skilled and nuanced wideout with advanced route-running and separation traits. Egbuka also creates post-catch opportunities for himself in the open field. His ability as a quick-game specialist offers him a high ceiling, particularly as a slot receiver in a pass-happy offense.
We've identified three ideal fits for Egbuka in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers sit atop the AFC North at a dominant 8-2. Quarterback Russell Wilson has re-energized the offense since replacing Justin Fields in the starting lineup. George Pickens has been outstanding since Wilson became his QB. Pickens has totaled at least 74 receiving yards and two touchdowns in every game since the quarterback change.
Pickens is a downfield, explosive playmaker who thrives at the catch point as a contested-catch winner. The Steelers will almost certainly re-sign Wilson this offseason. Once that deal is done, they should continue surrounding him with pass-catching weapons. Egbuka projects as an outstanding complement to Pickens as an every-down slot receiver who wins underneath the coverage, clearing out deep lanes for Pittsburgh's alpha No. 1.
New England Patriots
New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is quietly playing great football despite his lackluster supporting cast. Maye nearly led the Patriots to an upset over the Los Angeles Rams, and he oversaw a 19-3 victory over Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. There's every early reason to believe there's a new franchise QB in Foxborough.
The upcoming offseason will be about improving the offensive line and wide receiver positions. The Patriots will likely target a franchise left tackle in the first round. A receiver could be the priority with their projected early second-round selection. Egbuka would be a QB-friendly option as an excellent separator for a sophomore Maye, who is searching for weapons he can rely on and build chemistry with.
Las Vegas Raiders
The 2-8 Las Vegas Raiders will almost certainly draft a quarterback in the first round. Head coach Antonio Pierce has been highly displeased with the play of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell this season. One of Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, or Jalen Milroe will be playing for the Raiders in 2025.
Brock Bowers is putting together a historic rookie season, but receiver is a need after the organization decided to trade Davante Adams. The Raiders are currently slated to own three selections between Nos. 36 and 71. That offers veteran general manager Tom Telesco an opportunity to pair his rookie quarterback with an exciting receiver prospect. Adding Egbuka to a cast that Bowers spearheads would give the next QB multiple weapons in the passing game.
