Emeka Egbuka Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

School: Ohio State

Class: Senior

Position: WR

HT: 6’0

WT: 205 lbs

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Background: Emeka Egbuka is just another on the long list of immensely talented wide receivers to go through the Ohio State program throughout the recent years. He is originally from Steilacoom, Washington and played football for Steilacoom High School. Egbuka was the top wide receiver recruit in his high school class and won Gatorade State Player of the Year. Due to the pandemic, Egbuka did not play in his senior season and instead opted to join Ohio State early for spring drills. Egbuka could have chosen to play football for any school he wanted, and he considered many in his final decision process. He ultimately chose the Buckeyes over schools such as Miami, Clemson, and Alabama.

College: As a freshman, Egbuka was somewhat buried on a stacked receiver depth chart and was not able to make as big of an impact as he could’ve at a different program. Egbuka had his highly anticipated breakout season as a sophomore on the other side of Marvin Harrison Jr. In 2023, Egbuka was a victim of poor quarterback play that hindered his ability to show what he can fully do. However, his strengths have been consistently put on tape. His talents were on full display in 2024, a season that saw Egbuka named an All-Big 10 Third Team selection after snagging 65 receptions for 824 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Strengths: Egbuka is a sharp route runner and can create separation at the top of his route with a variety of different angles. Egbuka also has incredible short area quickness and burst off the line to put the defender on his heels right from the jump. All of these traits plus his size project him as a mismatch in the slot. Egbuka is a willing and effective blocker. At Ohio State, he primarily played on the outside. He was able to take on the bigger outside cornerbacks when trying to block for the ball carrier. Kicking him into the slot will make him an even more effective blocker as he will be going against smaller nickel corners. Egbuka has a large catch radius, making himself an easy target for the quarterback.

Weaknesses: The cons to Egbuka’s game stem mainly from him never reaching his full potential that has so clearly been there since he got to Ohio State. He has been buried on a talented wide receiver depth chart and when he did get his chance opposite of Marvin Harrison Jr., he was hindered by horrendous QB play. His play outside of the numbers does not project as an efficient player at the next level, making him strictly a slot wide receiver. The lack of versatility will make other X receivers a more attractive option.

Conclusion: Emeka Egbuka can be a dynamic player in the slot for an NFL offense. He can be moved around the offense. He is a valuable asset to an offense as he can do damage in all three areas of the field. He can be schemed open in the short areas of the field to take advantage of his creativity with the ball in his hands.

Scheme Fit: West Coast Offense

Ideal Role: Slot/Z Receiver

Best Team Fits: CAR, DAL, PIT

Player Comparison: Ladd McConkey

Draft Grade: 90.3