As the 2025 NFL Draft approached, many analysts expected the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to bolster their defense with an edge rusher, linebacker, or even reinforcements on the interior defensive line. However, in a move that might have raised a few eyebrows, the Buccaneers opted for a dynamic first-round pick in wide receiver Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State, signaling a clear shift in their long-term strategy.
By securing Egbuka, Tampa Bay is sending a strong message about their expectations for the young wideout. The team envisions him stepping into a significant role this season, with a future plan that hints at Egbuka eventually taking over the starting position vacated by longtime star Mike Evans. This isn’t just about adding depth; it’s about laying the groundwork for the next generation of the Buccaneers’ offense.
Mike Evans has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ receiving corps, boasting an impressive track record of 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since he entered the NFL. His reliability in critical moments has made him a favorite target, but as he approaches the 32-year mark, Tampa Bay recognizes that this window is closing. The franchise is acutely aware of Evans’ impending retirement, and they’re smartly positioning themselves for the future by bringing in Egbuka now. They want to ensure they have a capable successor ready to rise when Evans decides to hang up his cleats.
Egbuka enters the league with a pedigree that places him among notable previous Buckeyes like Marvin Harrison Jr., Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba. While he may not have received the same spotlight as some of his former teammates, he made his mark at Ohio State by setting the school’s all-time receptions record at 205. His recent season showcased his playmaking ability, evidenced by 81 receptions for 1,011 yards, culminating in a college career total of 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns over 50 games.
In line with their trend of targeting elite athletes based on impressive athletic testing, Tampa Bay’s selection of Egbuka reflects their commitment to this strategy. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) rang in at an outstanding 9.72, positioning him as one of the top wide receivers of his class when looking back through history—ranking as the 108th best receiver out of 3,816 since 1987.
On the field, Egbuka exhibits a smooth athleticism and impressive body control. His quickness off the line allows him to navigate breaks effectively and adjust during routes seamlessly. Like his predecessors from Ohio State, Egbuka excels at maximizing his route-running potential.
Breaking down his performance, Egbuka shows a compelling success rate against different defensive alignments: a 68.1% success rate against man coverage, an impressive 83.6% vs. zone (placing him in the 82nd percentile), and an 81.3% success rate against press coverage, albeit with limited reps in that area. Add to that a strong set of hands, and it’s clear why scouts have taken notice.
At 6’1″ and 205 pounds, Egbuka possesses the physicality to handle contact downfield, demonstrated by his collection of 25 contested catches during his college career and his ability to force 30 missed tackles. While most of his college snaps came out of the slot—844 compared to just 291 outside—Tampa Bay views his size and skill set as ideal for stepping into Evans’ shoes on the perimeter, rather than replacing Chris Godwin in the slot. In fact, the Buccaneers addressed the Godwin role in last year’s draft by selecting Jalen McMillan, who projects as a good fit there at 6’1″ and 192 pounds.
With Egbuka’s proven ability to thrive against a variety of coverages, the Buccaneers are setting the stage for a bright future. Fans can take comfort in knowing that they have found a potential star ready to continue the legacy established by Mike Evans. As Egbuka steps into this pivotal role, expectations are high, but so are the possibilities for this young receiver’s impact on Tampa Bay’s offense.
