TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added a dynamic weapon to their offensive arsenal, selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Egbuka, a senior out of Ohio State, brings a blend of polished route-running, reliable hands, and impressive versatility to Tampa Bay.
Standing at 6′ 1″ and weighing 202 lbs, he possesses the ideal size and build for an NFL receiver. His statistical resume at Ohio State speaks volumes about his capabilities.
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In his final season with the national champion Buckeyes, Egbuka led the team with 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games. Notably, he also set a school record with 205 career receptions, showcasing his consistent production over his collegiate career.
Prior to his standout career in Columbus, Egbuka was a five-star recruit and a consensus top-10 overall prospect nationally out of Steilacoom, Washington. His athleticism was evident early on, and he even earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference honors as a kick returner in 2021, averaging an impressive 29.0 yards on 20 returns.
Egbuka’s strengths lie in his fluid athleticism and exceptional ball skills, honed in part by his background as a former outfielder. Scouts have lauded his ability to track the ball with precision and make necessary adjustments to secure catches.
His understanding of how to manipulate coverage and his smart hand-fighting techniques allow him to create separation from defenders. While he primarily operated out of the slot at Ohio State, his skill set suggests he can be a valuable asset in various receiving roles for the Buccaneers.
While Egbuka may not possess elite breakaway speed, his route-running tempo and ability to gain extra yards after the catch through competitiveness make him a consistent threat. His projection as an early starter in three-wide receiver sets aligns perfectly with the Buccaneers’ offensive schemes.
The Buccaneers’ decision to invest their first-round pick in Egbuka signals their commitment to bolstering their receiving corps and providing quarterback Baker Mayfield with another reliable target.
Egbuka’s addition should complement the skills of existing receivers, potentially adding a new dimension to the Tampa Bay offense.
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