Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) runs after the catch as Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Christian Izien (0) defends during the first quarter at Ohio Stadium. Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Slot Receiver | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 02/08/2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.30 seconds (97%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.3 DOB: 10/14/2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Slot Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 02/08/2025 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.30 seconds (97%*) | |
| Age: 22.3 DOB: 10/14/2002 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 87.4 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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75% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 121.4 | |
| Hands: |
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87% |
| Short Receiving: |
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90% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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95% |
| Deep Threat: |
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92% |
| Blocking: |
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62% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Mid
Overall Rank:
#20
Position rank:
#3
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| College Games: 44 College Snaps: 1868 | ||
ESPN RATING: 87/100
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 99/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adonai Mitchell - Texas |
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86% |
| Ricky Pearsall - Florida |
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82% |
| Kadarius Toney - Florida |
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80% |
Draft Profile: Bio
The Washington native burst onto the scene at Steilacoom High School, establishing himself as one of the nation's premier receiving prospects with a dominant prep career that included 199 receptions for 3,987 yards and 61 touchdowns. His junior campaign showcased his explosive playmaking ability with 83 catches for 1,607 yards and 25 receiving touchdowns, plus three punt return scores and four rushing touchdowns. A record-setting performance in the state championship game with 18 receptions cemented his five-star status across all major recruiting services.Making an immediate impact after early enrollment at Ohio State, Egbuka first flashed his dynamic ability in the return game, leading the Big Ten in kickoff return average as a freshman while adding an 85-yard reception. His sophomore season marked his true breakout, as he racked up 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding two rushing scores. Though an ankle injury limited his junior year to 41 receptions and 515 yards, he bounced back emphatically as a senior with 81 catches, 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Over his four-year career in Columbus, Egbuka consistently delivered in the biggest moments, particularly impressive in his eight games against ranked opponents where he accumulated 51 receptions for 610 yards. His complete collegiate stat line of 205 receptions, 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns showcases both his consistency and explosive playmaking ability.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Rare combination of elite long speed and technical route-running acumen, regularly stressing defensive leverage at all three levels of the field.
- Natural hands-catcher who extends away from his frame and shows exceptional ball tracking ability on vertical routes.
- Savvy route technician who varies tempo and uses subtle head/shoulder fakes to manipulate defensive backs' positioning.
- Sharp cuts at the top of routes with minimal telegraphing, consistently creating separation through precise footwork.
- Advanced feel against zone coverage, showing innate ability to find soft spots and present clear throwing windows.
- Electric after the catch, combining track speed with vision and instincts honed in the return game.
- Runs with competitive toughness, showing willingness to work through traffic and take hits to secure catches.
- Immediate special teams contributor with proven production as both punt and kick returner.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Durability concerns after ankle surgery and three missed games during 2023 season require thorough medical evaluation.
- Limited experience working against press coverage from boundary alignment could delay outside receiver development.
- Average-sized frame can lead to difficulties maintaining positioning against longer, more physical corners.
- Could show more consistency extending catch radius on throws outside his frame.
- Sometimes struggles to sustain blocks against bigger defensive backs in the run game.
Scouting Report: Summary
Egbuka's elite straight-line speed demands respect from defensive backs, but it's his technical polish that will determine his NFL trajectory. The tape shows a receiver who wins with craft as much as athleticism, using subtle tempo changes and precise footwork to create separation. His reliable hands and advanced route understanding translate well to the next level, though he'll need to expand his release package against NFL press coverage.The fit has to be right for his skillset to flourish early. His experience in Ohio State's option-heavy passing game makes him an ideal match for systems that emphasize timing and spatial awareness. Picture him working the intermediate areas in San Francisco's offense or Green Bay's - schemes where his sharp cuts and understanding of leverage will shine. However, he'll need development time to master the boundary techniques and physical aspects required for full-time outside duties.
His ceiling depends largely on how well he adapts to more physical coverage at the next level. The foundation is there - elite speed, technical prowess, and competitive mindset. But success will hinge on building play strength and expanding his route tree beyond his comfort zone in the slot. Give him time to develop these areas while utilizing his current strengths, and you're looking at a complete receiver who can stress defenses from any alignment.
Written By:
K.C. Martinez (Big Ten)
Emeka Egbuka percentiles vs other Wide Receivers (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Emeka Egbuka (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
23.1
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
3.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.