By Blessing 
2025 Cowboys Draft Prospect Breakdown: Emeka Egbuka
The Dallas Cowboys are heading into the 2025 NFL Draft with some clear needs, especially at the skill positions. Among the most pressing concerns is the wide receiver room—a unit that desperately needs an injection of talent to support star wideout CeeDee Lamb.
Although Dallas has made a few moves to add depth—most notably by signing veteran receiver Parris Campbell—the reality is that the overall talent in the group still leaves much to be desired. Campbell brings experience, but he’s not the kind of player who fundamentally shifts the dynamic of the offense.
Lamb has carried the load as the team’s top target, but opposing defenses are focusing on him more than ever. If the Cowboys want to give their offense more firepower—and relieve some of that pressure on Lamb—they need another high-level pass catcher who can contribute immediately. Enter the potential for drafting a rookie wide receiver who brings both polish and upside.
Let’s take a closer look at one prospect who could be a difference-maker from day one: Emeka Egbuka, a senior wide receiver from Ohio State.
Wide Receiver Depth Chart Snapshot
Currently, here’s how the Cowboys’ depth chart at receiver looks:
- Left Wide Receiver (LWR): Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, Kelvin Harmon
- Right Wide Receiver (RWR): Jonathan Mingo, Ryan Flournoy, Seth Williams
- Slot Wide Receiver (SWR): CeeDee Lamb, KaVontae Turpin, Parris Campbell, Jalen Copper
There’s quantity, sure—but there’s a clear lack of proven, high-level production outside of Lamb.
A Glimpse at Emeka Egbuka
If Egbuka is available when the Cowboys are on the clock at pick 12, he could be a smart and safe selection. The former Buckeye is widely seen as one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, boasting a high floor and excellent compatibility with a dynamic playmaker like Lamb.
At the NFL Combine, Egbuka measured in at 6’1” and 202 pounds, with an arm length of 31.5 inches and a hand size of 9.625 inches. While he chose not to run the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, his speed isn’t in question. Back in 2021, at the High School All-American Combine, he was clocked at 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash, per 247Sports.
Though he was primarily used in the slot at Ohio State—lining up there on over 73% of his snaps—Egbuka has the route-running chops and physical tools to work on the outside as well. That versatility makes him an even more appealing option for a team like Dallas.
In four seasons with the Buckeyes, Egbuka pulled in 72.7% of his targets, totaling 2,867 receiving yards, averaging 14 yards per catch, and scoring 24 touchdowns. His quarterbacks also posted an impressive 124.5 passer rating when targeting him—a testament to his reliability and efficiency.
What Makes Egbuka Special
Egbuka blends elite top-end speed with exceptional route-running precision. He has a knack for attacking defensive leverage and uses smart tempo changes, head fakes, and crisp cuts to create separation. His footwork and timing are polished, and he consistently makes himself a friendly target for his quarterback.
He’s also a natural hands-catcher, able to extend beyond his frame to pluck the ball out of the air. On vertical routes, his ball-tracking ability really stands out. After the catch, Egbuka is dangerous—he combines straight-line speed with sharp field vision and instincts that stem from his background as a return man.
Beyond his receiving skills, he adds value on special teams, having proven himself as both a punt and kick returner. He’s not just a receiver—he’s a playmaker.
Areas for Growth
Like every prospect, Egbuka isn’t perfect. He missed three games in 2023 due to ankle surgery, but medical evaluations at the Combine suggest he’s fully recovered after playing the entire 2024 season.
One area where he’ll need development is against press coverage on the outside, something he didn’t face often in college. His average frame can be a disadvantage when battling physical corners, and he sometimes struggles to fully extend for passes when anticipating contact.
He also needs to improve his blocking in the run game—something that’ll be crucial if he’s going to thrive in a complete offensive system.
Final Thoughts
Emeka Egbuka might not be the flashiest name on draft boards, but his readiness, versatility, and polished skill set make him a perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb in Dallas. If the Cowboys want a player who can contribute immediately and elevate the entire offense, Egbuka could be the pick at 12.
Next week, we’ll take a look at another wide receiver prospect—Matthew Golden—and what he could bring to the Cowboys if they go in a different direction.