With a clear path to early playing time and a polished red-zone skill set, Emeka Egbuka is positioned to make an immediate impact for the Buccaneers in 2025, even as the No. 3 option behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr.
The Buccaneers selected Egbuka in the first round to bolster their receiving corps with a reliable, versatile route-runner. While his overall yardage might be capped by target volume, his touchdown upside is quietly strong, especially during the stretch Chris Godwin Jr. is recovering from ankle surgery. Egbuka found the end zone consistently at the college level, scoring 24 career touchdowns, including 10+ scores in each of his two fully healthy seasons. He showed a knack for working the red zone, particularly out of the slot, by using quick cuts, leverage, and elite body control to create separation near the goal line.
He wasn’t just a possession threat either; nearly one-third of his touchdowns came on explosive plays of 20+ yards, showing he can also score from distance.
While Mike Evans remains the primary red-zone target, Egbuka could benefit from early-season volume while Godwin ramps up post-injury. Under offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, Tampa’s offense will likely use heavy spacing and designed slot isolations, which is a perfect match for Egbuka’s style. Expect Egbuka to be featured on rub routes, quick outs, and layered seams, all areas in which he excelled at Ohio State. After Godwin returns, Egbuka should remain involved in third-down and red-zone packages, where his reliability and crisp route running will keep him on the field.