The 2025 Dallas Cowboys will need to upgrade several skill positions, with the wide receiver position being one of the two most important areas that need help.
The Cowboys have added depth to the wide receiver depth chart by signing Parris Campbell, but this signing does not improve the talent situation.
CeeDee Lamb needs another talented receiver to take pressure from opposing defenses away from him. A rookie receiver could add some needed juice to the position.
The Cowboys’ current depth chart at wide receiver consists of:
(LWR) – (1) Jalen Tolbert, (2) Jalen Brooks, (3) Kelvin Harmon
(RWR) – (1) Jonathan Mingo, (2) Ryan Flournoy, (3) Seth Williams
(SWR) – (1) CeeDee Lamb, (2) KaVontae Turpin, (3) Parris Campbell, (4) Jalen Copper
Key – (LWR) Left Wide Receiver, (RWR) Right Wide Receiver, (SWR) Slot Wide Receiver
Now, with depth in mind, let’s look at one wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft who could help immediately and be available in the first round.
Emeka Egbuka (Senior) Ohio State
Emeka Egbuka will be available at pick 12 for the Dallas Cowboys.
Emeka Egbuka could be the pick because he is ready to start in the NFL. His floor is much higher than the other prospects, and he should pair well with CeeDee Lamb.
At the NFL Combine, the Ohio State senior measured 6’1″ and weighed 202 lbs. He also had an arm length of 31.5 inches and a hand size of 9.625.
Egbuka did not run the forty-yard dash at the NFL Combine. According to 247sports.com, at the High School All-American combine in 2021, Emeka Egbuka ran a 4.42 forty-yard dash.
Mainly a slot receiver at Ohio State, where he spent over 73% of the snaps, Egbuka could cut into Lambs’ slot percentages but should be OK on the outside as well because he is a great route runner.
In his four years at Ohio State, he caught 72.7% of his receptions, had 2,867 receiving yards, 14 yards per reception, and 24 touchdowns.
His quarterbacks had a 124.5 quarterback rating when targeting Egbuka.
Emeka Egbuka’s Strengths
Emeka Egbuka boasts a rare combination of elite long speed and outstanding technical route-running skills, consistently challenging defensive leverage at all levels of the field.
As a natural hands-catcher, he extends away from his frame and displays exceptional ball-tracking ability on vertical routes.
A savvy route technician, he masterfully varies his tempo and uses subtle head and shoulder fakes to manipulate the positioning of defensive backs.
His sharp cuts at the top of routes are executed with precision and minimal telegraphing, allowing him to consistently create separation.
Emeka Egbuka is the PERFECT slot WR for the modern NFL.
He is a cerebral, technical route runner with reliable hands and savvy ball tracking in traffic.
He has a chance to solidify himself as a first round pick in the National Championship vs. Notre Dame. pic.twitter.com/SuF73xwwf9
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 14, 2025
He demonstrates an advanced understanding of zone coverage, with an innate ability to identify soft spots and present clear throwing windows.
Once he secures the ball, he becomes electrifying after the catch, combining exceptional track speed with sharp vision and instincts honed through his experience in the return game.
He runs with competitive toughness, unflinchingly navigating through traffic and taking hits to secure catches.
Furthermore, he is an immediate asset on special teams, showcasing proven production as both a punt and kick returner.
Emeka Egbuka’s Weaknesses
Emeka Egbuka underwent ankle surgery and missed three games during the 2023 season; however, medical evaluations at the NFL Combine showed positive results. He played the entire 2024 season, indicating the injury behind him.
His limited experience facing press coverage from the boundary may impede his development as an outside receiver.
Additionally, his average-sized frame poses challenges when it comes to maintaining position against larger, more physical cornerbacks.
He needs to improve his consistency in extending his catch radius on throws that are outside his frame. At times, he appears to be anticipating contact and does not fully extend to make catches.
Emeka Egbuka NFL Draft 2025: #Cowboys Prospect
Strengths
— Possesses natural route-running ability, excelling with nuanced and precise movements.
— Showcases fluid change of direction and sharp breaks, allowing for effective separation from defenders.
— Demonstrates confidence… pic.twitter.com/P9hzH7Lxu6— Law Nation Sports (@LawsNation) January 28, 2025
Furthermore, he often struggles to sustain blocks against bigger defensive backs in the run game, an issue that must be addressed for him to succeed.
Like any rookie receiver, Emeka Egbuka comes into the NFL with areas to work on to achieve greatness. Playing alongside CeeDee Lamb should assist in getting Egbuka to a Pro Bowl-caliber level.
This would be a smart/safe pick by the Cowboys at 12.
Next week, we will examine 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Matthew Golden and what he would bring to the Dallas Cowboys as a receiver.