The Dallas Cowboys appear to be doing their homework ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and one name seems to be standing out in their pre-draft evaluations—Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. According to multiple reports, the Cowboys spent additional time with Egbuka during a recent visit, signaling a potentially serious interest in the Buckeyes star as they weigh their options leading up to the draft later this month.
Egbuka, widely considered one of the top receivers in this year’s class, has been on the radar of several NFL teams, but the Cowboys’ added effort in evaluating him hints at a more focused level of interest. While it’s standard practice for teams to bring in prospects for interviews and workouts, extending the visit or requesting extra time is often reserved for players who are either high on the team’s board or raise specific questions that need further clarification. Either way, it’s clear that Dallas is not treating Egbuka like just another name in the mix.
The Cowboys enter this draft with multiple needs, particularly on offense. With star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb entering the final year of his contract and Brandin Cooks aging, the team could be positioning itself to bolster its receiving corps for the future. Egbuka’s skill set—marked by precise route running, high football IQ, and after-the-catch ability—makes him a seamless fit for a team that thrives on creating space and timing in the passing game. He brings a polished toolkit that would complement Lamb while also giving quarterback Dak Prescott another reliable option in the passing attack.
Egbuka’s college production speaks for itself. Despite battling injuries during his final season at Ohio State, he posted impressive numbers over his collegiate career and was a consistent playmaker in the Buckeyes’ high-powered offense. In 2022, his breakout sophomore campaign saw him catch 74 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns. Though his junior year was hampered by a lingering ankle injury, he still managed to make his presence felt in key moments, often drawing the attention of opposing defenses and freeing up space for fellow receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., another top prospect in this draft class.
What makes Egbuka particularly appealing is his versatility. He’s lined up both in the slot and on the outside, showing he can create separation regardless of alignment. His ability to read coverages and adjust routes on the fly is something that NFL scouts have praised, and his work ethic both on and off the field has earned glowing reviews from the Ohio State coaching staff. While he may not have the freakish athleticism of some of his draft classmates, Egbuka’s game is rooted in technique, intelligence, and efficiency—all traits that tend to translate well to the pro level.
For the Cowboys, the idea of pairing Egbuka with Lamb would give them a dynamic one-two punch, similar to some of the league’s top receiving duos. It would also help lessen the load on Lamb, who saw a heavy target share last season. With Egbuka in the mix, defenses would be forced to spread their coverage, opening up more opportunities for Prescott and potentially reviving an offense that at times last year lacked consistency, particularly in high-stakes games.
Dallas has the No. 24 overall pick in the first round, and while some mock drafts have Egbuka projected to go earlier, a slight slide down the board could put him in their range. Alternatively, the Cowboys could explore the idea of trading up if they view Egbuka as a must-have piece for their offense. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office have not been shy about making bold moves in the past, and the decision to spend extra time with Egbuka could be an early sign of how they’re planning to approach this year’s draft.
Another factor to consider is the makeup of the Cowboys’ wide receiver room heading into the 2025 season. Beyond Lamb and Cooks, depth is a concern. Michael Gallup’s role has diminished following his ACL recovery, and while Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin have flashed at times, neither has solidified a dependable role as a WR3. Drafting Egbuka would provide immediate competition and raise the floor of the entire group.
The Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has also expressed a desire to add more versatility and explosiveness to the offense this offseason. Bringing in a player like Egbuka fits that vision. His ability to line up in various formations and contribute immediately, especially on third downs and red zone plays, would give the Cowboys added flexibility in game-planning. Moreover, Egbuka’s background in a pro-style offense under Ryan Day at Ohio State means he could likely acclimate faster than other receivers coming from more simplified college schemes.
It’s also worth noting the Cowboys’ recent draft tendencies. They’ve shown a preference for high-floor players from top-tier college programs—guys who have played in big games and bring a level of polish and preparation. Egbuka checks all those boxes. He’s played in high-pressure situations, including College Football Playoff games, and has consistently been a reliable target regardless of the quarterback or defensive matchup.
From Egbuka’s perspective, landing in Dallas would be a high-profile opportunity. Playing for one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, alongside established stars like Lamb and Prescott, could offer the perfect environment to grow into a feature receiver. The Cowboys also have a reputation for developing offensive talent, and the spotlight in Dallas would give Egbuka a massive platform to showcase his skills early in his career.
Still, there are hurdles. With several teams picking ahead of Dallas also in need of receiving help—such as the New York Giants, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Chargers—it’s far from a guarantee that Egbuka will be available at No. 24. His stock could rise quickly in the final weeks before the draft, especially if he impresses during team visits, interviews, and film breakdowns. But the Cowboys’ early move to get extra face time with him could give them valuable insight that other teams may not have.
The lead-up to the NFL Draft is often filled with smoke screens and misinformation, but when a team takes the time to go beyond the standard visit protocol, it usually means something. Whether that translates into a draft-day selection or not, the Cowboys’ interest in Egbuka feels very real. If nothing else, it’s an indication that they are seriously considering adding another weapon to their offense and are willing to invest the time to find the right fit.
With the draft fast approaching, speculation will only continue to swirl around Egbuka and the Cowboys. Dallas fans will be watching closely to see if this extra attention is a prelude to a big move. If Egbuka ends up donning the star on his helmet come draft night, it won’t be a surprise—it’ll be the result of careful planning, calculated interest, and maybe even a bit of fate aligning between player and franchise.