The Green Bay Packers have been looking for a true No. 1 wide receiver for years and after a 2024 season that showed just how much they need one the team will be addressing this need in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite a good overall season the Packers came up short against the top NFC teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings – games where a go-to receiver could’ve made all the difference. With quarterback Jordan Love locked into a big extension it’s time for the Packers to give him the weapons he needs to succeed.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka as the answer to the Packers’ problems and has him going at No. 23 overall. Let’s get into why Egbuka could be the perfect fit for the Packers and how he could change the offense.
Why the Packers Need a True WR1
The 2024 Packers receiving group was decent but had no true alpha. Jayden Reed showed flashed but struggled with consistency, Christian Watson was injury plagued. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are solid role players but none of them were the type of dynamic player who can take over a game.
Without a WR1 Green Bay finished 8th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric- not bad but not good enough to be one of the best teams in the league. The lack of an outside receiver was especially evident in big games where the Packers came up short.
Who Is Emeka Egbuka?
At 6’1” with elite footwork, route running and separation skills Emeka Egbuka is the type of player the Packers need. He’s polished and ready to play right now.
Key Points:
- Elite Route Runner: Egbuka can read defenses and adjust on the fly. A quarterback’s best friend.
- Red-Zone Threat: 24 touchdowns in his college career at Ohio State. He can deliver in big moments.
- Versatility: Whether in the slot or outside Egbuka has the quickness off the line and physicality to exploit coverage and stretch defenses vertically.
In 2024 alone Egbuka had 1,011 receiving yards. He can produce at an elite level against top competition. For a Packers offense that was middle of the pack in explosiveness Egbuka could put them in the top half.
How Egbuka Fits with Jordan Love?
Jordan Love has shown flashes of brilliance but without a reliable No. 1 target his ceiling is untapped. Egbuka’s hands, football IQ and ability to get separation would be a go to guy for Love especially in 3rd down and redzone situations.
Plus Egbuka’s presence would open up the field for other playmakers like Josh Jacobs and tight end Luke Musgrave , making the offense more balanced and unpredictable under Matt LaFleur.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Projections
Packers Addressing Other Needs
While ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Egbuka to the Packers, PFSN’s Anthony Pasciolla has a different plan. In his latest mock draft, Pasciolla has the Packers taking cornerback Jahdae Barron at 23.
Why Barron Makes Sense
“Jahdae Barron would be in a great spot if he’s drafted by the Green Bay Packers,” Pasciolla wrote. “If Pro Bowl corner Jaire Alexander returns, Barron could learn a lot from him. But if Alexander is traded, Barron could start right away.”
Barron isn’t elite athletic but his tackling and physical presence is perfect for the modern NFL especially in the slot. But this still leaves the WR1 issue unresolved – unless they trade back into the first round or take a receiver in the 2nd.
Egbuka to Seattle?
Pasciolla also mocks Egbuka to the Seattle Seahawks at No. 18, saying they need a replacement for departed stars DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett . Pairing Egbuka with Cooper Kupp and Sam Darnold could open up the Seattle offense—but Packers fans will hope he stays in Wisconsin.
“The Seahawks lost wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, so young Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp will lead the new-look offense,” Pasciolla wrote. “Adding one more weapon for ex-Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold could unleash the best version of the free-agent addition.”
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