Buccaneers draft Emeka Egbuka 19th overall, bolster WR roster

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that general manager Jason Licht revealed was high on their draft board, ranking Egbuka as a top-10 talent. Egbuka, who played a key role in Ohio State's national championship season, is expected to provide both immediate insurance for the recovering Chris Godwin and a long-term option as veterans Mike Evans and Godwin age. Quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed excitement about the pick, welcoming Egbuka and his family personally and anticipating his impact on the offense. The Buccaneers now boast a deep wide receiver room, with Egbuka likely to start in the slot alongside Evans and Godwin, while younger players like Jalen McMillan add further depth. While some analysts applauded the proactive move, others questioned passing on defensive needs, making the selection one of the draft's more debated choices. Nonetheless, Egbuka is widely seen as a dynamic, versatile addition, positioning Tampa Bay's offense for both immediate and future success.