This year’s NFL Draft class is generally seen as weaker than usual, which could make it tough for a team like the Las Vegas Raiders to trade down. On the flip side, moving up in the draft might actually be more manageable than in previous years.
The Raiders are in need of wide receiver help, but the talent available at the No. 6 pick may not warrant selecting one that early. However, there are several appealing receiver options projected to be available later in the first round or early in the second.
One potential trade partner could be the Philadelphia Eagles, who own the final pick of the first round. In a recent mock draft, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic proposed a trade that would send the No. 32 pick to Las Vegas in exchange for the No. 37 and No. 108 picks. With that first-rounder, the Raiders would select Ohio State wide receiver.
“Top star, who stands 6’1″ and weighs 202 pounds, broke out in 2022 with 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns,” Feldman wrote in his April 2 mock. “Though injuries impacted his 2023 season, he bounced back in 2024 with similar production, playing a key role in Ohio State’s national championship run. Head coach Ryan Day once said during his freshman year that he was so football smart, he could see him becoming a coach in the future. A former baseball player, he is great at tracking deep balls and plays with high intensity.
“He surprised scouts with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical at OSU’s pro day. Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who led the Buckeyes offense in 2024, knows firsthand how talented Egbuka is. He led the nation with 14 third-and-medium catches last season and looks like a future NFL 100-catch-per-year receiver. Buckeye receivers tend to pan out—and Egbuka looks like the next one in that line.”
Egbuka Holds Multiple Ohio State Records
Emeka Egbuka may not be the most talked-about Ohio State wide receiver to enter the draft in recent years, but he’s certainly been the most productive. He holds school records for both career receptions (205) and receiving yards (2,868).
Given the long list of elite receivers to come out of Ohio State, those numbers are especially impressive. As Bruce Feldman pointed out, new Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly coached Egbuka last season and is very familiar with his skill set. Bringing him to Las Vegas would make a lot of sense.
Coaches Praise Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka might not be viewed on the same level as recent Ohio State stars like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Garrett Wilson, but he has the tools to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
“He’s as polished as they come,” one Big Ten defensive backs coach told Bruce Feldman. “He’s a fantastic route runner who does a great job setting up defenders. I think he’s more effective in the slot than out wide, but he’s capable of handling both roles. He also has a great sense of spacing on the field—and he’s stronger and more physical than you’d expect.”
With Ohio State consistently producing elite receiver talent, it’s possible Egbuka has flown a bit under the radar.
“He’s solid across the board,” another Big Ten secondary coach said. “Our guys really respected his game. He’s got the size to play physical, and it’s easy to understand why Ohio State coaches speak so highly of his football IQ. With a talent like Jeremiah Smith drawing so much attention, players like Egbuka didn’t always get the spotlight, but he’s the real deal. The fact that he’s produced consistently over multiple seasons says a lot.”