The Pittsburgh Steelers have been looking to upgrade the wide receiver position for well over a year, and the organization might have its best chance to do so with the 21st overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The franchise should have a decent amount of options at the pick with guys like Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden III, and Matthew Golden all potentially being available. The Steelers could go in an entirely different direction, but Egbuka seems like a strong candidate to be suiting up in the black and gold in 2025.
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Buckeyes' Emeka Egbuka stands with his hands on his hips during a home game in Ohio.
Egbuka has been a standout wide receiver at Ohio State for the last four seasons. He was eligible to enter the draft in 2024 and likely would have been a first-round pick, but the receiver decided to return to Columbus and wound up winning a National Championship. Egbuka had over 1,000 yards in two seasons, as well as 10 touchdowns, and he has been as consistent as they come at the college level. He is considered pro-ready, and he met with the Steelers in a formal interview at the NFL Combine.
Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka called his formal meeting with the Steelers “amazing” and enjoyed the interaction with Mike Tomlin.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) February 28, 2025
The receiver loved his meeting with Pittsburgh, which is a sign that he wouldn't mind ending up there at the end of April. There is a chance he will be off the board by the time the Steelers are picking, but he has been mocked to Pittsburgh on several occasions. Egbuka to Pittsburgh almost makes too much sense. He is a productive and versatile wide receiver, and his leadership has been praised by those around him in Columbus.
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Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka looks on during a home game.
One thing that might make wide receivers a little skeptical about playing in Pittsburgh is the quarterback situation. The starting quarterback for the 2025 season is not currently under contract, and the organization is still weighing its options. It is probable that either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will return to be the starting quarterback, and Egbuka has connections to both players.
Emeka Egbuka at the podium. Says he benefitted tremendously from playing with other great WRs and being coached by Brian Hartline. Calls playing WR an “art,” and says he’s a film-study junkie. Says he’s met formally with the Steelers. He grew up a Seahawks fan and Russell Wilson… pic.twitter.com/uyMEDB12my
— Kevin Smith (@KTSmithFFSN) February 28, 2025
The young wide receiver grew up watching Wilson with the Seattle Seahawks and was a big fan, and now there is the possibility that he could be catching passes from the veteran in 2025. Egbuka also knows Fields as the two went to Ohio State. They did not overlap as Fields was drafted before Egbuka's freshman season, but the two do know each other. Either way, Egbuka will be comfortable in Pittsburgh's offense if he is indeed the pick at 21.
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Buckeyes' Emeka Egbuka celebrates after picking up a big first down.
Steelers Must Draft Emeka Egbuka If Set On A First-Round Wide Receiver
Although Burden and Golden may be available when the Steelers are picking, Egbuka should be the clear fit in Pittsburgh. He has been nothing but reliable since stepping onto the field at Ohio State in 2021, and he has turned into a quality leader over the years. This is something the Steelers should value, as Pittsburgh has had some big personalities at the position over the last several seasons. The organization is currently deciding what to do with George Pickens, as he has been a major distraction at times.
Egbuka would also be coming from a winning culture, where he was never necessarily the number one option. Throughout his career as a Buckeye, he was overshadowed by receivers like Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jeremiah Smith. He never complained about his role, which is exactly what the Steelers should be looking for in a wide receiver.
Would you want the Steelers to select Egbuka with the 21st overall pick? Let us know in the comments below!
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