When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka at no. 19 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, there were a good amount of fans wondering what was happening.
It was as stunning a pick as we saw all throughout the first round, to be frank.
The Buccaneers didn't need another wide receiver. Why on earth did they select Egbuka? While we've seen some explanations since the pick was made, yet another professional has chimed in.
One draft expert recently put together some of his favorite selections from this year's draft and included Egbuka in his analysis, stating why he loved the pick.
The Bucs drafting Emeka Egbuka actually makes perfect sense
ESPN's Matt Miller had this to say about the selection:
"While the Buccaneers weren't expected to pick a receiver in Round 1, Mike Evans' age and Chris Godwin's health make Egbuka a smart addition."
While, at first glance, the pick seemed contrary to waht the Bucs should have done, it does make some sense. Mike Evans doesn't show any signs of slowing down, but his hamstring issue last year was a small moment of panic for some fans.
It wasn't too serious, but it was one of the few signs of Evans, in fact, being human.
Sure, he's made history and gone over 1,000 yards for the first 11 seasons to start his career. Many receivers don't even get the luxury of playing that long in the NFL, and he's done it at an elite level.
Meanwhile, Chris Godwin's health is much more of an issue. For that reason, alone, the selection of Egbuka means quite a bit. If Godwin soon is unable to be the same guy he's been for a while now, then the Bucs have a plug-and-play replacement in Egbuka. His route-running ability is outstanding, after all.
"He's a professional route runner whose toughness on underneath routes complements Baker Mayfield's ability to sling fastballs on slants. Getting to learn from Evans and Godwin will benefit Egbuka, too," Miller finished.
Jalen McMillan might take a hit, for right now, but the future still seems to be he and Egbuka. Tampa Bay is simply planning far ahead and ensuring they have immense depth.
Egbuka wasn't a desperate need, but the Bucs took the best player on their board. And, for that, you have to commend Jason Licht. Some teams try and stick with that strategy but fall into temptation. Licht did not succumb.