What's Happening?
Kyle Stackpole of CBSSports.com has released a first-round mock draft for the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting two Ohio State players as potential first-round picks. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is projected to be selected 20th overall by the Denver Broncos,
while offensive tackle Josh Simmons is expected to go 25th to the Houston Texans. Egbuka is noted for his ability to enhance the receiving corps, providing consistency for quarterbacks like Bo Nix. Despite being overshadowed by other talents at Ohio State, Egbuka is recognized for his savvy route running. Simmons, who is recovering from knee surgery, is considered a top tackle prospect, potentially the best in his class. The mock draft also predicts selections for other teams, such as the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, with the Browns potentially picking Penn State's Abdul Carter and the Bengals eyeing Georgia's Malaki Starks.
Why It's Important?
The inclusion of Ohio State players in the first round of the mock draft underscores the university's continued influence in producing NFL-ready talent. This projection not only highlights the individual skills of Egbuka and Simmons but also reflects Ohio State's strong football program. For the NFL teams involved, acquiring such players could significantly bolster their rosters. The Broncos and Texans, in particular, may benefit from the added depth and skill in their respective positions. This draft projection also sets the stage for Ohio State to potentially match or exceed the record for the most players drafted from a single school, a record currently held by Georgia with 15 players in 2022.
What's Next?
The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay. As the draft approaches, teams will continue to evaluate prospects, and players like Egbuka and Simmons will have opportunities to further showcase their abilities during the college football season and pre-draft events. NFL teams will also be monitoring player health and performance closely, particularly in the case of Simmons, who is recovering from surgery. The draft process will involve further analysis and adjustments to team strategies as they aim to make the best selections for their future success.
