The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 offseason. With free agency as the next big event to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers will have a number of decisions with players who were on the 2024 roster and will have the opportunity to add some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. The NFL combine and player pro days will also shape the team’s big boards before the draft.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, one first has to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. Before any gains or losses in free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either cornerback or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel wide receiver or even quarterback could be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.

In the latest one-round mock draft by FoxSports.com, they have the Steelers addressing the wide receiver position this season before anything else. With the Steelers going into the 2024 with no obvious number two receiver, and now added concerns with the number one option as well, wide receiver is a huge need that could be addressed in both free agency and the NFL draft. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.

Check out the Steelers 21st pick:

20. Pittsburgh Steelers | Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio St. | SR |

Being early in the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Egbuka according to bleacherreport.com:

Emeka Egbuka

• HEIGHT: 6’1″
• WEIGHT: 205

POSITIVES

— Natural route-runner, wins with nuance and detailed movements.

— Fluid change of direction, snaps breaks well to separate from coverage

— Comfortable reading and weaving through high-traffic areas with the ball in his hands

— Strong ball tracking ability all over the field.

NEGATIVES

— Does not use frame and wingspan to fully extend at catch point.

— Staying healthy, battled knee and ankle injuries through 2023 season.

— Heavily used out of the slot, far less snaps throughout career on the outside.

NOTES

— Born Oct. 18, 2002

— 5-star recruit in 2022 class per 247Sports

— 2022: Second-Team All-Big Ten Conference

— 2023: Third-Team All-Big Ten

OVERALL

Emeka Egbuka is a detailed and nuanced route runner to fill the “chain mover” role in an NFL offense.

Placing Egbuka in a timing and rhythm offense is best for his ability and NFL future. Egbuka wins from the slot with nuance and detailed route running. Depending on where he is breaking, he uses his body to stem routes inside or out to get his defender to move with him. He manipulates off-coverage defenders with his quickness out of the breaks. Egbuka is a smooth and fluid mover who quickly changes directions to separate from coverage. Out of the slot, he runs a variety of routes, including choice/option, outbreakers, double moves, fades, and corners.

Egbuka’s punt returner background helps him find run-after-catch lanes on quick short passes—he weaves through traffic comfortably. Athletically, he possesses enough speed to threaten defenders vertically and sell upfield routes to open other opportunities underneath, inside, and out. One of the most underrated aspects of his skill set is blocking in the run game. He is a maximum-effort blocker who wants to seal his defender and open lanes on the perimeter for his teammates.

When the ball is in the air, Egbuka does a great job tracking it into his hands before making secondary moves to create YAC. He is a savvy veteran who understands the importance of flashing his hands late as the ball arrives instead of tipping off the defender limiting chances to create pass breakups.

Egbuka lacks a robust catch radius and wingspan to win highly contested catches. Handling long-limbed physical defensive backs will be a challenge for him at the next level. Due to Ohio State’s offensive usage, he is primarily in the slot and off the ball. Egbuka also gets free releases from the bunch and stacked sets. He projects as a role-specific wide receiver prospect as a result.

In conclusion, Emeka Egbuka is a savvy route runner who wins in the short and intermediate range of the field. Quick passing attacks will appreciate how he marries the timing of his routes to the quarterback drop. He is going to be where his quarterback needs him to be. Projects as a consistent slot playmaker at the next level.

GRADE: 8.3 (Year 1 Starter — Late 1st – Early 2nd)

OVERALL RANK: 12

POSITION RANK: WR3

PRO COMPARISON: Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Amon-Ra St. Brown

For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Egbuka with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, a different one who may still be available, or that Egbuka will not make it to the 21st pick? Personally, I would be fine with the Steelers doing all they can to have more weapons at wide receiver. Because it’s early in the process, I could see the Steelers going big at wide receiver in free agency which could make adding to the position, although still necessary, not the top priority for the first round. But if the Steelers could get a player who truly is like a Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Amon-Ra St. Brown by using a first round pick, I would not be opposed to it at all.