Insider Report: Ohio State Pro Day Sparks NFL Buzz – Emeka Egbuka’s Meteoric Rise & Saints’ Secretive Interest in Lathan Ransom
The 2025 NFL Draft season just got more intriguing after Ohio State’s Pro Day, where wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and safety Lathan Ransom stole the show. Scouts, general managers, and media analysts gathered in Columbus, expecting a routine showcase, but what unfolded has reshaped draft boards overnight.
Egbuka’s Draft Stock Surges Amid WR1 Debate
While Marvin Harrison Jr. has been the unquestioned WR1 in this draft class, Egbuka made a compelling argument that his name should be in the conversation. The Buckeyes’ star ran crisp routes, displayed elite body control, and clocked an unofficial 4.38 in the 40-yard dash—an eye-opening number that silenced concerns about his deep speed.
One AFC scout, speaking anonymously, noted:
“Teams see him as more than just a secondary option. He’s got WR1 traits—toughness, hands, versatility. This Pro Day performance solidified him as a top-20 lock.”
Rumors now swirl that a receiver-needy team like the Chargers or Giants might consider Egbuka earlier than expected, especially if a run on quarterbacks pushes WR prospects up the board.
Lathan Ransom & the Saints’ Secretive Interest
The real behind-the-scenes story, however, revolves around safety Lathan Ransom. The Ohio State defensive back, known for his physicality and high football IQ, had a strong performance despite injury concerns lingering from late-season setbacks.
What raised eyebrows was the presence of multiple Saints personnel, including their Director of College Scouting, who spent an unusual amount of time speaking with Ransom post-workout. While New Orleans hasn’t publicly revealed its draft intentions, sources suggest they view Ransom as an ideal fit for their evolving secondary, possibly targeting him in the late second or early third round.
One NFC South insider hinted at a deeper connection:
“Dennis Allen loves smart, aggressive safeties. Ransom fits that mold perfectly. The Saints may be playing it quiet, but they’re serious about him.”
Controversy: Did Ohio State Pro Day Overshadow Bigger Names?
The Egbuka and Ransom buzz has led to questions about whether the event overshadowed higher-ranked Buckeyes, particularly Marvin Harrison Jr. Some insiders believe this was orchestrated—Ohio State’s staff intentionally giving Egbuka and Ransom the spotlight to boost their draft stock.
One skeptical analyst commented:
“You have one of the best WR prospects in a decade, yet the story coming out of Columbus is about the other guys? Something doesn’t add up.”
Final Takeaway
With Egbuka’s stock rising and the Saints quietly plotting a move for Ransom, Ohio State’s Pro Day has created ripple effects across the NFL. Was it a masterful showcase of hidden gems, or a strategic smokescreen to manipulate draft narratives? Either way, the Buckeyes just made the draft a lot more interesting.
