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Buccaneers Rookie Already Making Waves This Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 12:26 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers already had one of the most explosive offenses in football, and now we add in first-round pick Emeka Egbuka to the mix, and suddenly, Baker Mayfield has an embarrassment of riches.

With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, Bucky Irving, and Rachaad White, it might be hard for Egbuka to stand out.

However, he's already doing it, and yes, we get it, receivers were going against air with defenders not able to be physical at minicamp, but it is a good start for a rookie.

And for Bleacher Report's Damien Parson, if Emeka continues to trend upward, the 2025 season might see him have a big say in proceedings.

"If the Buccaneers ease Godwin back into action, Egbuka will see plenty of playing time opposite Evans," Parson wrote. "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."

The biggest question aimed at Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and Mayfield is how they will feed all of those receivers with only one football.

Plus, Irving and the run game will take some of the reps away, too.

So there is a delicate balancing act the Buccaneers must undertake in 2025, but make no mistake, Egbuka will be part of this offense, and he allows Godwin to ease himself back from his nasty ankle injury.

Egbuka comes into a great situation to begin his NFL career, and he might play a starring role in Year 1.

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

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