Out of all 32 picks in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, there were only a few that completely blindsided the “experts” covering the league.
One of those was at No. 19 overall, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka despite glaring deficiencies on defense at edge rusher and cornerback.
It might end up being the most important move of the offseason for the Buccaneers. According to Fox Sports NFL reporter Greg Auman,Egbuka has already created the “Biggest Buzz” out of anyone on the roster during the first week of training camp.
“First, it was a leaping grab in front of the goalpost in the back of the end zone,” Auman wrote on July 30. Then it was a toe-tap touchdown in the back right corner for another touchdown. Each day of Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp seems to bring another head-turning play for rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka, and the only thing as consistent is the unmitigated praise from teammates and coaches.”
Egbuka’s ability to step in and play right away could serve the Buccaneers greatly in one really meaningful way — it doesn’t force wide receiver Chris Godwin to come back early from a dislocated left ankle that required 2 surgeries to fix.
Buccaneers May Have NFL’s Best WR Corps
Egbuka steps into perhaps the best spot of any rookie wide receiver in the NFL when it comes to having a group of veterans to learn from. His addition also might make the Buccaneers the best group of wide receivers in the entire NFL.
Leading the way is future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, who is trying to make NFL history in 2025 with his 12th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, which would break Jerry Rice’s record.
Godwin, who signed a 3-year, $66 million contract in March, is also one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers and was fourth in the league in receiving yards last season before his injury in Week 7.
There’s even a third option with second-year wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who was playing his position as good as almost anyone in the NFL toward the end of last season with 24 receptions for 316 yards and 7 touchdowns over the last 5 games.
Egbuka Could Be ‘Game Changer’ as Rookie
Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson singled out Egbuka as a player who could make an instant impact for the Buccaneers following a great minicamp performance.
Egbuka, who signed a 4-year, $18.1 million rookie contract, was a 3-time All-Big Ten pick and helped lead Ohio State to a College Football Playoff national championship last season.
“Emeka Egbuka is trending toward becoming a game-changer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Parson wrote on June 1. ” … If the Buccaneers ease (Chris) Godwin back into action, Egbuka will see plenty of playing time opposite (Mike) Evans. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield praised Egbuka’s football IQ and said the team could ‘plug and play’ him in any receiver position. If his level of play is similar or elevates when the pads are on, he will secure a major role in the Buccaneers offense.”
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