With the 2025 NFL Draft just under two months away, the Los Angeles Rams are gearing up to make a pivotal selection at No. 26 overall. Following an eventful weekend at the NFL Combine, teams now have a clearer picture of the top prospects available, and according to ESPN’s latest mock draft, Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka could be the Rams’ next big weapon.
While freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith stole the spotlight last season, Ohio State’s receiver corps remains loaded with elite talent. Among them, Egbuka has consistently been one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, making him a strong contender for a first-round selection.
“With Cooper Kupp seemingly on his way out of L.A., the Rams have a void opposite Puka Nacua,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid noted. “Egbuka slots perfectly into Sean McVay’s offense as arguably the most polished receiver in this year’s class. A detailed route runner, Egbuka doesn’t have A-level burst but understands how to create separation against man coverage and find holes against zone. Egbuka also isn’t afraid to roll his sleeves up as a blocker a requirement in McVay’s offense. He’s the perfect WR2 complement to pair with Nacua.”
Pairing Egbuka with Nacua could create a lethal receiving duo in Los Angeles. Nacua took the league by storm as a rookie, and Egbuka possesses the skill set to make an immediate impact in a similar fashion.
Egbuka’s journey at Ohio State began in 2021, but he truly broke out as a sophomore, recording 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite an injury limiting his junior season, he bounced back in 2024 with another impressive campaign 81 receptions, 1,011 yards, and 10 touchdowns solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class.
With Kupp’s departure looming, the Rams must find his successor, and Egbuka could be the ideal fit. Given Ohio State’s recent track record of producing elite NFL receivers, he has the potential to be the next star to emerge from the Buckeyes’ powerhouse program. If he’s still available at No. 26, the Rams may not hesitate to bring him to Los Angeles.
