Egbuka certainly has the potential to thrive in this offense, and he's coming in at a good time. However, he's not a replacement for Evans, as he is not the same type of receiver. I’m also uncertain about what this means for McMillian. Egbuka could very well be our version of Godwin for the next decade and that wouldn't be a bad thing.
As for this year's needs, I have some concerns. Our pass defense has struggled for several years, and aside from bringing in Reddick—who we hope will improve on last year's disappointing performance with just one sack in ten games—we haven’t made significant strides in enhancing the defense. Jahdae Barron was selected just after us and would have provided an immediate boost to our team as a nickel cornerback... day 1.
I recognize that we still have more picks to make, but as we progress deeper into the draft, the chances of landing impactful contributors diminish. I hope that some of the talented edge rushers, corners, or safeties that we like will be there in the second or third rounds, but many will likely be off the board early in the second round. I'm not sure what to expect from our defense in 2025.
I'm hopeful that Licht pulls out some great picks, but I also recognize the reality: this defense will have a tough time slowing down offenses.
Relax, no reason to worry. Todd "I can figure things out on defense" Bowles will have the defense fixed. 🙄
Agreed OP.
We'll need Reddick to turn back into 10+ sack guy to help this pass defense. The cupboard is bare after Dean/McColloum and we all know those guys will probably missing time. I'm skeptical on in a r2-r3 CB guy that could help us win now. Crosses fingers we land a Tykee Smith type rookie DB who is sound fundamentally.
Again I'll say all the defensive players available... I don't see them as game changers.
We def need to go defense the rest of the way... Maybe even trade up to grab our guy but overall, the players we wanted all dropped
Pick didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me unless you are saying goodbye to Evan’s regardless of performance in 2026 offseason
think about it, only so many calls to go around. Just gave Godwin a 3 year deal, drafted McMillan in 3rd a year ago and now used up a first round pick.
even in our 2020 season, the 4th reciever was non existent with Evan’s, Godwin and AB
you have a top 5 offense and a bottom 15 defense. You take best available player on defense like a good franchise does like the eagles.
Again I'll say all the defensive players available... I don't see them as game changers.
Is Egbuka a game changer?
It certainly made me wonder about Godwin’s health
hes not 100% atm. Will he be in time for the season? I certainly hope so.
i agree OP. Initial thought number 4 receiver ugh.
long term hopefully it works out. Even short term it could barring injuries like we had last year.
He's the second best WR behind Tet.
Hunter is a corner... But if we wanna count him then Egbuka is third.
The speedster fads in the first for wr seem to be hit or miss.
He's the second best WR behind Tet.
Eh, there were very few that had him #2. Most had Golden #2, with Egbuka and Burden vying for 3 & 4. I had Burden with the slight edge at #3.
Agreed OP.
We'll need Reddick to turn back into 10+ sack guy to help this pass defense. The cupboard is bare after Dean/McColloum and we all know those guys will probably missing time. I'm skeptical on in a r2-r3 CB guy that could help us win now. Crosses fingers we land a Tykee Smith type rookie DB who is sound fundamentally.
the cupboard isn’t more bare at corner as it is with MLB. We have Lavonte in his 13th year and a broke down Sirvoccea Dennis. We had practice squad caliber players at our second unit which we saw all last season. Our secondary had very unusual injuries last season (AWJ missed a ton of games coming off an All Pro season and Hall broke his leg in week 1). That will not happen this year. Our secondary isn’t as bad an depleted as our MLB. We NEVER replaced Devin White and this team must address that. So far we have not on free agency and through 2 rounds in the draft we haven’t either.
Daniel Jerimiah had him as the number 2 WR.He's the second best WR behind Tet.
Eh, there were very few that had him #2. Most had Golden #2, with Egbuka and Burden vying for 3 & 4. I had Burden with the slight edge at #3.
Daniel Jerimiah had him as the number 2 WR.He's the second best WR behind Tet.
Eh, there were very few that had him #2. Most had Golden #2, with Egbuka and Burden vying for 3 & 4. I had Burden with the slight edge at #3.
Yeah, I didn’t say nobody had him #2. There were analysts that did, but they were in the minority.
Question for you - was there ever a time where he was the best WR in OSU’s WR room? Not really a knock, as they’ve had some studs. But I don’t ever remember him being the guy other teams had to prepare for first, unlike Tet, Golden, & Burden.
I get the point you’re trying to make, but he also showed up. Of course teams knew where he was - but slots aren’t typically the focus. In a crowded, and talented, WR room - he still managed to set OSU reception record (205), and is second all-time in receptions. So yeah - like Godwin, he’s best when the #1 takes some heat - but he’s special enough to help the number 1 get leverage…too. You better prepare for him, or he’ll hurt you.Daniel Jerimiah had him as the number 2 WR.He's the second best WR behind Tet.
Eh, there were very few that had him #2. Most had Golden #2, with Egbuka and Burden vying for 3 & 4. I had Burden with the slight edge at #3.
Yeah, I didn’t say nobody had him #2. There were analysts that did, but they were in the minority.
Question for you - was there ever a time where he was the best WR in OSU’s WR room? Not really a knock, as they’ve had some studs. But I don’t ever remember him being the guy other teams had to prepare for first, unlike Tet, Golden, & Burden.
I get the kvetching about not getting a one - it’s what I wanted too - but as you correctly noted: it wasn’t our board that had him ranked the 2nd best WR, it was Licht’s. He’s an absolute weapon in short-field/red-zone. He can surprise with his speed, but he’s also a downfield blocker, and he’s pretty good at punt/kick returns.
