Ohio State Buckeyes | Wide Receiver | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 205
Projections are one thing, but fantasy is a numbers game. Dive into the data and see where some of the top prospects in this year’s NFL draft landed in their final college season.
| STAT | STAT LINE | POSITION FINISH |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 16 | – |
| Receptions | 81 | T-WR14 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,011 | WR26 |
| Touchdowns | 10 | T-WR13 |
| Fumbles | 1 | T-WR992 |
| Total Fantasy Points | 240.1 | WR17 |
| Fantasy Points Per Game | 15.0 | WR54 |
Emeka Egbuka at a Quick Glance
Emeka Egbuka enters the NFL Draft as the next in a long line of Ohio State wide receivers to make the leap to the pros. Following in the footsteps of players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson, Egbuka has showcased the smooth route-running, reliable hands, and versatility that have become trademarks of Buckeye wideouts.
While his 2023 season wasn’t as explosive as some of his predecessors, Egbuka still put up solid numbers—81 receptions, 1,011 yards, and 10 touchdowns across 16 games. His ability to be an explosive slot receiver makes him a valuable asset, much like Smith-Njigba, who found his role as a technician over the middle of the field. Egbuka also possesses some of Olave’s deceptive speed, making him a legitimate deep threat when given the opportunity.
Although he may not carry the same pre-draft hype as Marvin Harrison Jr., Egbuka’s well-rounded skill set could allow him to make an impact early in his career. If he lands in the right system, he has the potential to develop into a reliable, high-volume receiver—something Ohio State has become known for producing.
FantasyNow+ Deep Look
Look at the base numbers that matter all you want, but that doesn’t necessarily show you everything you need to consider when looking at a prospect. How was the prospect utilized in the offense? What did he do with the ball when he got it? These are all things to consider.
| ADVANCED STAT | STAT LINE | POSITION FINISH |
|---|---|---|
| Targets | 106 | WR28 |
| Average Depth of Target | 7.9 yards | T-WR903 |
| Contested Catch Rate | 59.1% | T-WR340 |
| Yards After Catch | 476 yards | T-WR21 |
| Snaps Out Wide | 70 | WR471 |
| Snaps In Slot | 343 | T-WR27 |
| First Downs | 48 | T-WR17 |
| Drops | 5 | T-WR62 |
| Avoided Tackles | 10 | T-WR124 |
Egbuka’s advanced metrics paint a picture of a receiver who thrives in the short-to-intermediate game. His 106 targets ranked 28th among wide receivers, and his 7.9-yard average depth of target suggests he was often utilized in underneath routes rather than as a deep threat. However, his 476 yards after the catch (21st among WRs) show his ability to turn short receptions into big gains.
Lining up primarily in the slot (343 snaps, 27th among WRs), Egbuka was a reliable target over the middle, converting 48 receptions into first downs (17th among WRs). His 59.1% contested catch rate indicates solid reliability in traffic, and with only five drops on the season, he proved to have dependable hands. While he wasn’t the most elusive player with just 10 avoided tackles, his combination of route-running and YAC ability makes him a strong fit for teams looking for a polished slot receiver.
Fantasy Rookie Draft Projection: Mid to Late First-Round
