Buccaneers Draft Emeka Egbuka in 19th Overall Pick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprised many by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite having established stars Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on their roster. General manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles emphasized that the pick was made with both the present and future of the team in mind, especially considering Evans' advancing age and Godwin's recent injury history. While the move received mixed reviews from league insiders, with some calling it a reach, analysts like ESPN's Matt Miller praised the Bucs for proactively addressing potential long-term needs at the position. Egbuka is viewed as a versatile and reliable receiver, capable of learning from the team's veteran stars and eventually stepping into a larger role. Although he may start lower on the depth chart, his professional route running and toughness are expected to complement quarterback Baker Mayfield's playing style. Ultimately, the Bucs' strategy is seen as protecting the franchise against future uncertainties in their receiving corps.