FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Emeka Egbuka

Emeka Egbuka (WR – Ohio State)

6’1” – 206 lbs.

Background:

A five-star recruit who was considered the top receiver in his class despite his team’s senior season being delayed. Caught nine passes as a freshman, primarily functioning as a return specialist. Took over a starter the following year, primarily playing out of the slot, and put together an excellent 74-1,151-10 (15.6) line. Sustained a lower-leg injury against Maryland this year and missed a few games, so is currently carrying a 35-451-4 (12.9) line into the team’s bowl game over eight appearances.

Positives:

Highly-regarded recruit who had a monster sophomore year for a veritable receiver factory. Thickly-built receiver who’s played both inside and out and has the sort of frame you’d look for in a guy who works the middle of the field as much as he does. Runs routes to all different levels, but primarily a lot of underneath stuff and other routes breaking over the middle (slants, overs, etc.). Plays with a sense of urgency and some twitchy traits. Shows quick, clean feet to release at the line against press coverage, and can stay on track against physical opponents. Gets up to speed quickly and is capable of threatening down the seams or creating separation on over routes, which he runs often. Route stems look sharp, and doesn’t need to gear down much, allowing him to create throwing windows on the break. Sells double moves well, with good head-fakes and commitment with his hips to open up opponents. Does a nice job of flattening out his routes on patterns breaking over the middle of the field. Shows good awareness to locate and settle into soft spots against zone. Offers a reliable pair of hands and good concentration when opponents are in-phase. Adjusts well away from his frame. Runs with some physicality and is often motioned for jet sweeps or as window dressing. Contact balance as a runner looks good.

Negatives:

Wasn’t able to replicate his sophomore-year success this year, in part due to injury. Has taken over 70% of his snaps out of the slot in school, and the percent of snaps where he was split out wide have declined in each year. Separation downfield comes from route-running savvy, rather than elite top-end speed. Doesn’t provide quite as big a target as some of the other top receivers in the class. Not the most elusive or dynamic after the catch; more competitive and physical than game-breaking.

Summary:

Another highly-polished Buckeyes receiver prospect, his excellent combination of acceleration, quickness, route-running savvy, hands and toughness should make him a highly reliable pro receiver. Likely would have been a first-round lock had he stayed healthy this year, but still stands a solid chance of going there if everything checks out during the pre-draft process. Not quite the physical freak some other receiver prospects are, but is more pro-ready.

Projection: Round 1-2