The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft since they selected Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick during the 2002 draft.
If the Packers end that drought during the 2025 NFL Draft, a potential target is Emeka Egbuka. The Ohio State wide receiver checks in at No. 62 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A native of Washington, Egbuka broke out during his sophomore campaign in 2022. He reeled in 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also added two rushing touchdowns to his stat line. The following year he recorded 41 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns.
This past season, Egbuka recorded 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Ohio State wide receiver finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (205) and receiving yards (2,868). An impressive feat considering the amount of talented wide receivers that have come out of Columbus.
“He is one of the smarter players I have dealt with at Ohio State,” Tim May, a reporter for Lettermen Row, said. “He exudes leadership and dedication to the cause. In other words, he is quite the team player on top of everything else.”
Egbuka has a master’s degree in route running. He is a detailed route runner and consistently creates separation due to his crisp route running. There are no wasted movements off the line of scrimmage or out of his breaks. He has crafty footwork and does a good job of varying his route tempo to manipulate space and keep cornerbacks off balance. He’s a heady football player who finds open spaces in the middle of the field to make himself available to the quarterback.
“He seems to understand the angles of the game,” May said. “That understanding has been greatly enhanced by his four-year relationship with Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline, now the offensive coordinator. Egbuka is one of those guys who would stay to work on things after practice and usually brought another receiver or two along. He seems to take pride in carving up the middle of the field and seems fearless in that pursuit.”
Egbuka is not as dangerous as former Buckeye wide receiver Garrett Wilson after the catch. That doesn’t mean he’s a slouch. During the 2022 campaign, he racked up 526 yards after the catch and this past season he picked up 476 yards after the catch. He’s slippery after the catch and finds a secondary burst if he makes the first defender miss. The Ohio State wide receiver is able to snare the ball away from his frame without throttling down to quickly turn up field.
“YAC is where he set himself apart at Ohio State,” May said. “He proved to be elusive, and it was like he had a sixth sense at times of where that ‘next’ defender was going to be beside the primary man on him. This is why Ohio State has used him as a punt returner from time to time.”
Egbuka works his tail off as a blocker. It’s something that you can tell he takes pride in and his efforts have helped spring big runs from Ohio State running backs, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.
“The demand from Hartline and Ryan Day that their receivers embrace blocking is personified by Egbuka,” May said. “As the leader of the room, especially this past season, he demanded it himself from his younger proteges. It is a major part of the chemistry of that room.”
Fit with the Packers
Egbuka is pro-ready and with his veteran-like savvy he’d quickly earn the trust of Green Bay’s coaching staff and become Jordan Love’s best friend.
The Ohio State wide receiver would provide Love with a consistent playmaker and consistency is one thing Green Bay’s wide receiver room struggled with during the 2024 season.
A year ago at this time, the Packers had a promising wide receiver room. Fast forward a year and the shine has worn off a little.
Dontayvion Wicks struggled with drops this past season, something that has plagued him since his Virginia days. Wicks creates separation, but that doesn’t matter if you can’t consistently complete the process.
Jayden Reed started off his sophomore season with a bang, before cooling off and also getting the case of butterfingers.
Romeo Doubs suffered two concussions this past season and also had an isolated incident earlier in the season that caused the Packers to suspend the former Day 3 selection.
Chrisitan Watson is slated to miss the majority of the season as he recovers from a torn ACL.
The Packers need a bonafide stud in that room. Egbuka fits the bill with his route running and hands.
“He punches all of the buttons,” May said. “A sure-handed receiver who runs precise routes, including over the middle, can make a defender miss after the catch and has above-average top-end speed. The major bonus is his intelligence and natural leadership ability and his obvious love for the game.”