Many of the consensus #1 overall high school recruits at the wide receiver position have been busts in transitioning to the NFL over the past decade or so. However, now with back to back classes featuring Julian Fleming and Emeka Egbuka at the top spot, I believe that trend is likely to be bucked. Egbuka stands alone as the only current 5-star for the class of 2021. His standing as the highest-rated WR is well deserved.
Entering his senior season, Egbuka already possesses a well proportioned 6’1” 190 lb. frame. The length of his frame gives the appearance of an even taller WR and should easily afford him the ability to pack on an additional 10 to 15 pounds throughout college. At the High School National Combine in 2019, Egbuka registered a verified 4.42 40 yard dash. A few months later, at The Opening Regional, he logged a verified 35-inch vertical leap. His physical and athletic traits are only surpassed by his technical skills and attributes as a receiver.
Egbuka presents sticky hands at times with the ability to reel in SportsCenter worthy one-handers through contact.
While often used on quick screens to highlight his YAC ability, Emeka already displays the ability to run a bevy of routes in his tree. Furthermore, he often employs head fakes and sharp, violent breaks at the stem of his routes allowing him to easily create separation from defenders.
His knowledge of the wide receiver position and football IQ appears to be far ahead of schedule, and this should assist him in making an easy transition to the college game. Additionally, Egbuka sports a 4.0 GPA in high school, which lends further credence to his dedication as a student on and off the field. Given that he’s currently heralded as the consensus #1 rated wide receiver prospect for the class of 2021, there’s little more for EE to accomplish in the prep ranks. His next step will be to make an impact on the collegiate level, where Ohio State leads the way as his future suitor. I would have no reservations drafting this type of talent in Devy drafts as he enters the college ranks. Egbuka has all the traits of a future early-round NFL WR with a high floor.
– @DW_Clayton
