The Buccaneers made one of the most surprising picks of the 2025 NFL Draft when they drafted Emeka Egbuka at No. 19 overall in the first round.
Egbuka’s talent and college production certainly warranted his draft position, but Tampa Bay opting to add another wide receiver to their strongest position group instead of addressing the defense with their first selection was a shock for many.
But the front office had an eye not just on 2025, but the future as well. With Mike Evans seemingly entering the final few years of his career and Chris Godwin nearing 30-years-old and coming off his second major injury, planning for a future without Evans and Godwin actually makes a lot of sense.
The team dealt with a lot of injuries at the position last year. They lost both Evans and Godwin to injuries in a Week 7 matchup against Baltimore, and after losing to the Ravens, Tampa Bay went on to lose three consecutive one-score games without their top receiving options.
Adding another young game changer could help Baker Mayfield and an elite offense elevate to yet another level in 2025.
Mike Evans has major praise for rookie Emeka Egbuka
The last time the Buccaneers invested a first-round draft pick into the wide receiver position, it was on Mike Evans in 2014. Jason Licht’s first ever draft pick as the Buccaneers general manager is easily his greatest ever, and Egbuka has big shoes to fill.
Early in his Buccaneers career, Egbuka has already caught the eye of Evans, who will be his mentor as he hopes to become the next great Buccaneers wide receiver.
"He looks like a running back, but I mean, he catches like Chris Godwin," Evans said of Egbuka at his press conference following mandatory minicamp. "He's a very polished, very good well-rounded player."
Egbuka finds himself in a perfect situation where he can learn from both Evans, as well as Godwin, as he develops and adapts to the NFL level.
But don’t think he won’t contribute as a rookie, either. Egbuka isn’t just an insurance policy and a preparation for the future, he has potential to serve a major role in 2025.
Evans faces some of the most double coverage looks in the NFL, and Godwin commands a lot of respect from opposing defenses as well.
If opposing defenses are fully committed to taking Evans and Godwin out of the game, it will open up more opportunities for Egbuka who will be lined up against defense backs lower on the depth chart.
Expect big things from Egbuka during his rookie campaign and beyond. He has made all the right moves since arriving in Tampa Bay, and looks poised to follow in Evans and Godwin’s footsteps as the next great Buccaneers wide receiver.
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