Going into the season, it was unclear how the Buccaneers planned to use rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. The first round pick was highly rated, and many expected he would eventually become the team's top wideout. However, the general consensus was that Egbuka would gradually grow in the Tampa Bay offense. After all, they already had veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, along with a strong supporting cast that included second-year player Jalen McMillan and former Giants star Sterling Shepard.
Just five weeks later, Egbuka has put those narratives to rest. In an injury-ravaged Tampa Bay offense, he has clearly become the best weapon on the field.
In five games, he's already at 445 yards on 25 receptions, averaging 17.8 yards per reception. With both Godwin and McMillan starting the season on the IR, and Mike Evans getting injured in September, Baker Mayfield has had to throw to Egbuka out of necessity. But it is clear that Egbuka is now Mayfield's favorite target.
Why wouldn't he be? Egbuka has a unique ability to catch just about any ball that's thrown his way. He's been an electric playmaker, particularly in week 5, which could be considered his breakout game.
Going into Seattle, Egbuka caught seven passes for 163 yards and a touchdown (already his fifth touchdown of the season in five weeks). He outperformed his fellow former Ohio State star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who himself had a phenomenal performance, going for over 100 yards and a touchdown of his own.
Egbuka is also establishing himself as a terrifying deep-threat. Against the Eagles, he secured a 77-yard pass, the longest of his career so far. Last week against Seattle, his longest reception went for 53 yards.
Even once Mike Evans gets healthy, it's clear who the best weapon in this offense is. It will be bittersweet if Egbuka's fast rise to success is what prevents Mike Evans from reaching 1,000 yards and setting an NFL record, but at the end of the day, Tampa Bay needs to do what gives them the best chance at winning a championship. In this case, that means continuing to let Emeka Egbuka cook. He's proven himself, and he is a star.
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and rumors