TAMPA, Fla. – Regardless of the fact that the Bucs had a top-tier offense last season and clearly need help on defense, GM Jason Licht said they were targeting Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka all along, and when he was still on the board at No. 19 overall, the choice was simple.
“I just felt like, with him, it was too good to pass up,” Licht said. “It was kind of the perfect pick, like I said before, it helps us now, and it really helps us in the future.”
Father Time is knocking on the door of future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans, although Evans showed no signs of slowing down last season. Fellow wideout Chris Godwin is coming off his second serious injury (dislocated ankle) yet is on pace to return for Week 1 of the regular season. There was the thought of possibly trading down at 19 and acquiring more picks, but in the end, Licht said, with Egbuka there, they didn’t want to lose him.
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“Yeah, we always kind of chart it out what the scenarios are going to be,” Licht said. “He was a player that we said, it doesn’t matter, we’re going to take him. We wouldn’t want to lose out on him trading back to pick up a third- or fourth-round pick, which are very valuable. But also, how would we feel if somebody took him? To be honest with you, I’d probably be throwing up.”
The Bucs offense took a tremendous leap last season, going from 23rd in yards per game and 20th in points per game in 2023. The Baker Mayfield Bucky Irving-led offense in 2024 was third in yards and fourth in points in all of the NFL last season.
Egbuka comes from a long line of established Buckeyes wideouts and is Ohio State’s all-time leading pass catcher.
Egbuka feels the Bucs are a perfect place for him.
“I think I’m going to fit in great,” Egbuka said. “I think the coaches think I’m going to fit in great which is why they decided to draft me. I think if I had to describe my skill set, I would say I’m one who’s super reliable, going to be at the right place at the right time.”
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The happiest Buccaneer is quarterback Baker Mayfield. Licht immediately texted Mayfield when they made the pick.
“I texted him right away and said, you’re going to like this one,” Licht said. “Then he texted back something (laughs) and then asked for his number. I’m sure they’re talking right now.”
“He ( Mayfield) was just saying how excited he was to get me on board,” Egbuka said. “I feel the exact same way. I’m ready to start working and I can’t wait to be down there.”
Egbuka feels he’s going to learn a lot from Evans and Godwin, and he already is good friends with 2nd-year wideout Jalen McMillan. One thing is for certain: getting that call from Bucs Licht and telling him he was going to be a Buccaneer is something he’ll never forget.
“I looked down and I see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on my phone so I answered the call,” Egbuka said. “My Mom started freaking out saying Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Then my dad is yelling, so it was a high-octane moment, but I was feeling like no other.”
Bucs will have plenty of chances to pick up defensive players, but on the first night of the NFL Draft, it was a no-brainer choice.
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