2024 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka | © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Rob Willette Posted On January 7, 2025

As has become customary at this time of year, we have an Ohio State Buckeye receiver we need to evaluate for rookie drafts. Emeka Egbuka is another product off the assembly line in Columbus, entering the NFL after four productive seasons.

While you should not merely scout the helmet, Ohio State receivers have shown well at the NFL level, even with Marvin Harrison Jr putting together a modest rookie year. Chris Olave has been a hit despite a poor supporting cast. Ditto for Garrett Wilson. Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke out in year two, and he is a player often compared to Egbuka.

The Buckeyes have placed a receiver in the first round in three consecutive drafts and Egbuka has an opportunity to make it four, though he is not nearly the lock previous receivers were. Even if he does not extend the streak, he is a high-end prospect who will demand the respect of NFL evaluators as well as dynasty managers.

Recruitment

Courtesy of 247Sports.

The Washington native netted offers from all around the nation yet bided his time and committed to Ohio State just prior to signing day in 2020. The Buckeyes are a national recruiting power and have had particular success luring elite receivers to campus, especially since Brian Hartline took over as wide receivers coach in 2018.

Egbuka was a two-way star at Steilacoom High School, starring at safety as well as receiver, yet always profiled best on the offensive side of the ball as an extremely well-rounded prospect. The top receiver via consensus rankings, he was considered as close to a can’t-miss prospect as you can get. He chose the Buckeyes over his home state Washington Huskies and Oklahoma, his other finalists.

Collegiate Career

Courtesy of Sports Reference.

After a modest freshman season, Egbuka exploded in year two to the tune of 74 grabs for 1,151 yards. He stepped up in a big way after both Wilson and Olave took their talents to the NFL, teaming with Harrison Jr to give the Buckeyes an elite duo at receiver.

All signs pointed to Egbuka joining a loaded 2024 draft class at receiver, but his junior season was marred by an ankle injury suffered in October which limited him for much of the season. He – along with many other Buckeyes – returned to campus for one last run at a national title. The move could prove wise, as the senior has returned to form and has helped lead the Buckeyes to the College Football Playoff semifinals. He also joins a much weaker receiver class. After seven receivers went in 2024’s first round – and 10 in the top 40 picks – the 2025 class is trending to having three of fewer, depending on whether you deem Travis Hunter a receiver. Egbuka could be a standout as opposed to just a face in the crowd.

Strengths

Strong hands
Consistent YAC threat
Offers value as returner
Toughness in traffic
Excels in a timing offense

Weaknesses

Unlikely to win vertically
More a smooth mover as opposed to an explosive athlete
Limited experience as a perimeter receiver

Draft Value

Courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database.

Egbuka is routinely on the fringe of the first round in mock drafts. He has the type of game which most teams could find a way to use yet may not profile as a true number one for NFL teams. He is often compared to former Buckeye and teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who went 20th overall to the Seahawks. Each draft class is unique, however, and Egbuka has an opportunity over the next few months to cement his draft status.

There are a number of teams slated towards the back half of round one (Commanders/Broncos/Chargers/Rams) who could use more weaponry out wide and the early second round is always a popular spot for teams to nab a receiver. Egbuka’s range seems around 25th-45th overall, making him a logical candidate to go in the first round of rookie drafts.

Dynasty Outlook

Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan has emerged as the top receiver for most, but the field is wide open behind him. Luther Burden’s stock has taken a hit and outside of McMillan, it looks unlikely any receiver is going in the top half of round one.

Egbuka offers a fantasy-friendly profile as a sturdy, reliable slot receiver who can create havoc after the catch. He could be the proverbial PPR scam, a player whose talents allow him to secure volume on a weekly basis. Even if you do not see the upside with Egbuka, he is a high-floor prospect who is a relatively safe bet for production.

While we still have a ton of time between now and April, Ashton Jeanty and the aforementioned McMillan look like the top tier of rookie drafts, in both single quarterback and superflex leagues. They are a cut above and figure to have their value hold steady throughout the draft process. I would go to bat for Egbuka as an option at number three based on what we know currently. He is an intelligent receiver who displays unique toughness all over the football field. Situation is going to be pivotal when shuffling the draft order behind the big two, but Egbuka should be right in the mix.