Three 2025 NFL Draft prospects to watch from Ohio State

Every college football season is big in Columbus, Ohio, where the annual expectation is to win the Big Ten, a national championship, and, of course, beat Michigan.

However, the stakes feel especially high this season because the Buckeyes haven't completed any of those tasks since the 2020 season, so the pressure is on for head coach Ryan Day and his best players.

Here are the top three Ohio State prospects to watch ahead of the NFL Draft, which begins April 24, 2025:

Emeka Egbuka | Wide receiver

ESPN's Matt Miller on Egbuka: "A savvy route runner with sure hands."

Prospect ranking: Pro Football Focus (No. 19), Tankathon (No. 13), Pro Football Network (No. 14)

We would never get through an Ohio State draft article without discussing wide receiver. Egbuka (6-foot-1, 206 pounds) looks to join an incredibly distinguished list of receivers to wear Scarlet and Gray and then go on to the NFL.

After a breakout season in 2022 (74 receptions, 1,151 yards, 10 TD catches), Egbuka took a step back in 2023, with each number cut approximately in half (41/515/4). He was dealing with injuries and poor quarterback play, though, so he can return to his best in 2024.

With elite speed that should land him a 40-yard dash time in the neighborhood of 4.3 seconds, Egbuka will be targeted by much of the NFL and can reasonably expect to be a first-round pick.

Denzel Burke | Cornerback

Bleacher Report NFL Scout Cory Giddings on Burke: "Versatile enough to play multiple coverages and techniques."

Prospect ranking: PFF (No. 27), Tankathon (No. 16), Pro Football Network (No. 16)

Burke (6-foot-1, 193 pounds) was a huge part of Ohio State's defensive progression from 2022 to 2023, as he took a central role in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' system and stepped up his level of play.

Burke won't be under as much pressure this season, with incoming transfer safety Caleb Downs (Alabama last season) set to bolster the secondary and the offense ready to pull its weight. So, we'll see how dominant Burke can be when he's on less of an island.

Open-field tackling is a key trait NFL evaluators look for in cornerbacks, and Burke has certainly shown his ability in this area. With his strong man-coverage experience, Burke has every chance to be a high draft pick, although his placement will depend heavily on team needs.

Tyleik Williams | Defensive line

ESPN's Matt Miller on Williams: "Impressive pass-rush moves"

Prospect ranking: PFF (No. 42), Tankathon (No. 33), Pro Football Network (No. 18)

Instead of highlighting one of Ohio State's two draft-bound edge-rushers, Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, let's check out a D-lineman who might be even more impactful: interior run-stuffer Williams (6-foot-3, 327 pounds). His role grew hugely last season, vaulting him into discussions as a potential first-round pick.

As you can see from the prospect rankings above, the industry isn't quite sure what to make of Williams, and it's not clear what the league thinks either. He could be selected midway through Day 1 and end up as a fringe first-rounder, or perhaps fall into the second round, as teammate Michael Hall Jr. (second round, Browns) did in 2024.

With impressive athleticism for his size, he should find his way onto the draft stage without too much of a wait as long as he has a solid 2024 season.