Atlanta Falcons linked to Ohio State WR in early NFL Draft talks

THE Atlanta Falcons The Cardinals have made great strides in upgrading the receiver position in 2024. With the additions of Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore, the team made one thing clear this offseason: It needed more talent at the position. With a bona fide WR1 in Drake London looking to take the next step this season, there are some questions about who will fill the “Z” receiver role across from him.

The Falcons are paying Darnell Mooney to be that guy. They are financially tied to him for the next two seasons with a $14.5 million salary cap hit versus a $19 million salary cap hit in 2025.

But what happens if no one steps up at WR2? Will the Falcons need to address that position next season? It’s still too early to tell, but according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), the answer is clear.

Ohio State may have the answer for the Falcons’ WR2 role in 2025.

PFF’s Trevor Sikkema says if the Falcons want to improve their offense in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they should keep their eyes on Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

“Now that the Falcons have quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​— and his future heir apparent Michael Penix Jr. — their offensive focus will be on building an elite skill group,” Sikkema wrote on PFF.

“Atlanta’s backfield and tight ends already have a very high ceiling with Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts. Drake London is a good WR1, but the team could use a certified WR2. Enter Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka, a smaller but complete receiver who could lead Atlanta’s offense over the top.”

This is an exciting proposition, because Emeka Egbuka is more than capable of being a quality player in the NFL. Complementing the 2024 fourth overall pick over the past two seasons, Marvin Harrison Jr., Egbuka has thrown for 14 touchdowns and averaged 14.1 yards per reception. SI rates him as the No. 19 prospect in the 2025 draft, within earshot of where the Falcons hope to be drafted next season.

Of course, a lot can change between now and the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The soon-to-be WR1 Buckeye receiver would be a solid addition to the Falcons. However, there could be more pressing needs on offense, particularly at tackle, if the team addresses that side of the football for the fifth consecutive year.

Assuming the offense progresses with offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, the offense likely won’t be on general manager Terry Fontenot’s radar with the team’s first-round pick.