4/25/25

(Green Bay, WI) It is a day that every young man dreams of. All of the hard work and blood, sweat, and tears spilled all to walk across the stage one day and pose with the NFL Commissioner with a jersey and cap that represents your new home.

The NFL Draft is a special day for all fans as it marks the chance for a new start and always gives fans a little bit of optimism. For a couple of young men from Washington state, it marked the start of a new journey in their lives. Something only 32 players get to experience each year, being a first round draft pick is a special thing that brings with it pressure but even more excitement.

Two of the picks in last night’s opening round of the draft started their football careers right here in Washington state. Both ended up in the Big 10 before getting to hear their name’s called by Roger Goodell last night on the hallowed grounds of Lambeau Field in Green Bay. From the PNW to the NFL is a special journey that deserved a little more recognition.

Emeka Egubka, WR from Ohio State (Steilacoom HS)

With the 19th pick in the first round, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The dynamic wide receiver out of Ohio State can make plays at every level on offense and is one of the top route runners in this year’s draft. Emeka was never the #1 guy at Ohio State due to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith, but the workhorse thrived in whatever role was asked of him.

Starting his journey at Steilacoom High School, Egbuka quickly became a player every fan in Washington state wanted to see play. His big year came in 2019, his junior year at Steilacoom, where he put together 2,240 total yards with 32 total touchdowns as a receiver and kick return specialist. Egbuka was named the Washington Gatorade Player of the Year in 2019 and led the Sentinels to the 2A state championship game where they fell to Tumwater. In that title game, Egbuka caught 18 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown in the shootout.

The five-star recruit committed to Ohio State and did not get to play his senior season due to Covid. At Ohio State, Egbuka played in 10+ games in all four seasons with the Buckeyes. He would finish his collegiate career with 205 receptions for 2,868 yards with 24 touchdowns, along with a couple of rushing touchdowns as well.

Only the third receiver off the board in the first round, Egbuka now heads to Tampa Bay who have made the playoffs as the NFC South champions in four consecutive seasons plus winning the Super Bowl right before that streak started as a Wild Card team. Joining a loaded receiving core that includes future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, along with Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan, Egbuka will be in a great place to learn and improve while also producing for a team looking to take the step from playoff contender to Super Bowl contender. Baker Mayfield will give plenty of opportunities to the rookie receiver in a pass heavy offense.

Josh Conerly Jr., OT from Oregon (Rainier Beach HS)

Selected as the 29th pick in the NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders, offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. will immediately step in to protect the franchised quarterback in Jayden Daniels in the nation’s capital. The strong tackle thrives as a run blocker which can help Daniels or the Commanders establish more of a run game from their backfield.

The state’s #1 recruit in the 2022 graduating class, Conerly Jr. ended his high school career at Rainier Beach as one of the most sought-after lineman and players in general across the country. Showcasing his athleticism on the football field and the hardwood as a basketball player, Conerly Jr. being a multi-sport star gave him plenty of choices on which school he would play at for football.

Eventually, the tackle stayed close to home by heading to the University of Oregon where he became a starter in just his sophomore season. Despite not being a starter as a freshman, Conerly Jr. played in every single game of his collegiate career with the Ducks and only allowed two sacks in his time as a starter in Eugene. While not quite as explosive down field as Emeka Egbuka, Conerly Jr. did tally a touchdown reception back in his freshman season.

Just to highlight exactly what he can do, Conerly Jr. went toe-to-toe with the #3 overall pick in Abdul Carter when Oregon played Penn State last December in the Big 10 Championship. Conerly Jr. did not allow a single pressure from Carter en route to the Ducks winning the Big 10 Championship in their first season in the conference. He straight up dominated up front through his entire collegiate career.

Forgoing his senior season to enter the draft, Conerly Jr. will likely start at right tackle for the Commanders who reached the NFC Championship last season in Jaden Daniels rookie season. Washington knew that they had to improve their line and have made a number of moves to do so, including trading for Laremy Tunsil. The move to the right side might lead to some growing pains but it won’t take long for Josh to feel comfortable in his new spot. Despite the “experts” grading the pick as a C, strengthening protection for a franchise quarterback is always the right move and Josh Conerly Jr. will be sure to dominate the trenches for the Commanders for years to come just like he did at Rainier Beach and Oregon.

elisportsnetwork.com