Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Buccaneers Rookie Set For 'Splashy Debut' After Stellar Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 11:21 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had quite the offseason, to the point where the franchise is now garnering genuine momentum for an NFC push and possibly more.

A big part of that is the projected improvement of the roster, but another is the new acquisitions of Emeka Egbuka and Haason Reddick.

The Buccaneers needed more pass rush bite, and some cover for the aging Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who is coming off a nasty ankle injury that ended his season early last year.

With Egbuka part of an offense that is littered with talented players, and just one ball, he might struggle to make an impact - yet he's already done it at OTAs and minicamp, with praise coming for how he conducts himself both on and off the field.

As such, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin thinks Egbuka could be quite the weapon from Day 1 for Baker Mayfield.

"Emeka Egbuka is positioned for a splashy debut," Benjamin writes. "Tampa's somewhat surprising first-round addition to the wide receiver room could pay off in a hurry, with quarterback Baker Mayfield highlighting the rookie's early impact and trustworthiness. Even with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in tow, the Ohio State product already projects as one of Mayfield's favorite targets."

Now, we don't project a 900-yard, 70-catch season for Egbuka because Evans and Godwin will take the majority of the targets, but when he's called upon, if he makes plays, Baker will look his way.

McMillan discovered that last season as he navigated the pitfalls of being a rookie.

His first eight games yielded just one touchdown, and he didn't post over 35 yards in a game. However, in his last five regular-season games, McMillan totaled seven touchdowns and surpassed 50 yards in each game.

The same could happen for Emeka if his early-season work translates to training camp.

He was a first-round pick for a reason, so expect him to be featured in Josh Grizzard's offense, but exactly how much? That will depend on how quickly Egbuka can continue his ascension.

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

More must-reads: