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Buccaneers' ‘A-Plus’ Rookie Solves 2 Major Worries

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated May 10, 2025 9:29 AM ET

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on the clock in the first round of the NFL Draft, most thought the franchise was going defense, with linebacker Jihaad Campbell the most mocked player to the team.

However, with the draft falling the way it did, the Buccaneers, who picked at No. 19, saw one player who was screaming out to them - Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka.

The receiver was selected to bolster Baker Mayfield's weaponry, which could now be seen as one of the best groups of receivers in football.

And for ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the selection of Egbuka is the ideal insurance policy.

"The team's eventual pick at No. 19, receiver Emeka Egbuka, satisfies two areas: He was considered an A-plus prospect, and he helps curb concerns whenever Mike Evans decides to retire," Fowler writes.

We aren't sure how many seasons Mike Evans has left, and with the Pro Bowler set to be a free agent at the end of the 2025 season, it may not have been the worst idea to get some cover.

Plus, with Chris Godwin coming off an injury last season, the Buccaneers now won't have to rush him back, with Egbuka able to fill in. Tick and tick.

Mayfield looms as the big winner with the Egbuka pick, though. The offense is overflowing with talent, with Evans, Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otton, plus Bucky Irving and Rachaad White.

Now add Egbuka to the mix, and the Buccaneers, on paper, could easily be seen to have one of the best units in football.

And with Emeka, he offers insurance for Evans, while giving Mayfield another genuine option in the passing game.

A double prize if we've ever seen one.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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