Steelers Projected to Target ‘Savvy Route Runner’ Emeka Egbuka in Ideal Draft Scenario
The Pittsburgh Steelers made key moves last season to improve their wide receiver corps, drafting Roman Wilson and acquiring Mike Williams at the NFL trade deadline. However, neither addition provided the offensive boost the team had hoped for. Williams struggled with injuries, and Wilson saw little playing time due to a lower-body injury suffered in training camp. As a result, the Steelers’ passing game remained largely dependent on George Pickens, with little production from other receivers.
With this in mind, NFL analysts and draft experts are speculating that Pittsburgh could target a high-level wide receiver prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. One name frequently linked to the Steelers is Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, a polished route runner who has drawn comparisons to two-time first-team All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Why Emeka Egbuka Could Be Pittsburgh’s First-Round Pick
Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Bradley Locker argued on Feb. 27 that Egbuka would be an ideal first-round pick for the Steelers. In his “ideal draft haul” for Pittsburgh, Locker selected Egbuka at No. 21 overall, believing the Ohio State receiver would be the perfect complement to Pickens.
“Whether through free agency or the draft, the Steelers are almost certain to bolster their receiver corps next to George Pickens this offseason,” Locker wrote. “Few candidates would be more ideal than Egbuka (82.4 PFF receiving grade), who brings elite route running and hands to the slot.”
Bleacher Report’s Dam Parson further endorsed Egbuka, describing him as a “savvy route runner who wins in the short and intermediate range of the field.” His ability to create separation and make tough catches in traffic makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen its passing attack.
NFL scouts and analysts view Egbuka as one of the top receivers in this draft class. According to the NFL Mock Draft Database, he is a popular projection for the Steelers at No. 21 overall. ESPN’s draft big board ranks him as the No. 50 overall prospect, but NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah holds him in higher regard, placing him at No. 23 on his big board. Given the high demand for wide receivers and Egbuka’s ranking as a top-five prospect at his position, he has a strong chance of being selected in the first round.
The Amon-Ra St. Brown Comparison
Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was a fourth-round pick for the Detroit Lions in 2021, has become one of the most productive slot receivers in the NFL. Despite being overlooked early in his career, St. Brown has established himself as a go-to target in Detroit’s offense. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged 11.9 yards per catch and recorded 22 touchdowns in 33 games. He is a key possession receiver who consistently moves the chains while also developing into a reliable red-zone threat.
Many analysts see similarities between St. Brown and Egbuka. Both players possess excellent hands, crisp route-running ability, and the versatility to operate as a primary target in the short and intermediate areas of the field. If Egbuka can translate his college production to the NFL, he could become a high-volume receiver with a similar impact.
Egbuka’s college numbers back up the hype. In his most recent season at Ohio State, he caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving his ability to be a consistent playmaker. Over his entire Buckeyes career, he recorded 205 receptions, 2,868 yards, and 24 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the most productive receivers in the program’s history.
How Egbuka Fits in the Steelers’ Offense
Selecting Egbuka in the first round would signal a clear commitment by the Steelers to improving their passing attack. Despite drafting Wilson last year, Pittsburgh still has a major need for receiver depth. Wilson’s injury kept him off the field for nearly his entire rookie season, and the Steelers essentially redshirted him. While he still has the potential to contribute, relying on him as a primary option in the passing game is a risky proposition.
Pittsburgh struggled to find consistent receiver production in 2024, as only George Pickens surpassed 550 receiving yards. The team’s top two receivers—Pickens and Calvin Austin III—each averaged over 15 yards per catch, which is excellent for a deep passing attack. However, the Steelers lacked a reliable intermediate option, which hurt their ability to sustain drives.
Egbuka could fill that void perfectly. He possesses the skill set to become a dependable target in the middle of the field, allowing the Steelers to diversify their passing game. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described him as a “fluid athlete with good size and quality ball skills who works primarily from the slot.” Zierlein also noted that Egbuka’s ability to manipulate coverage and run precise routes makes him an ideal fit for teams that utilize three-receiver sets.
The Steelers’ Potential Draft Plan
If Pittsburgh selects Egbuka in the first round, it would likely focus on other areas of need in the later rounds. In his ideal Steelers draft haul, Locker projected that Pittsburgh would follow up its first-round selection of Egbuka by drafting running back Omarion Hampton in the second round and defensive lineman Jordan Phillips in the third.
Hampton, a powerful runner with breakaway speed, would provide the Steelers with a strong complement to Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in the backfield. Meanwhile, Phillips would bolster the team’s defensive front, giving them added depth and physicality in the trenches.
Conclusion
With free agency and the draft approaching, the Steelers have a critical offseason ahead. Their lack of receiver depth was a glaring issue last season, and addressing that problem will be a priority. Emeka Egbuka, with his route-running expertise and ability to operate in the slot, could be the perfect first-round pick to strengthen Pittsburgh’s passing attack.
If the Steelers do select Egbuka, he has the potential to develop into a reliable target, much like Amon-Ra St. Brown has in Detroit. With George Pickens as the team’s top deep threat and Egbuka working underneath, Pittsburgh’s offense could take a major step forward in 2025.
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