Latest news with #EmekaEgbuka
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bucs' WR Emeka Egbuka is making plays early and often at training camp
It hasn't taken long for rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka to make an impression. Just days into Buccaneers training camp, the first-round pick is already looking the part of a polished, NFL-ready contributor. Lining up with the first-team offense, Egbuka has shown off the crisp route running, strong hands, and explosive burst that made him one of the most complete receivers in the 2025 draft class. Whether working from the slot or outside, he's looked comfortable and confident against NFL defenders. Egbuka's transition has been smooth since rookie minicamp, where teammates and coaches were impressed by his football IQ and natural feel for the game. His ability to quickly absorb the playbook has only boosted his reps in camp, especially with Chris Godwin Jr. ramping up slowly from his dislocated ankle that required surgery and a second "procedure" a few weeks ago. At Ohio State, Egbuka posted over 200 career receptions, routinely producing in big moments. That poise and consistency are translating early in Tampa. During team drills, he's already made several standout catches and earned praise from quarterback Baker Mayfield for his timing and reliability. With Mike Evans and Godwin Jr. cemented atop the depth chart, Egbuka is in a strong position to claim the WR3 role, especially given his versatility. He's currently battling with Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson, but his polish and playmaking have stood out. The Bucs drafted Egbuka to contribute early, and so far, that vision is coming to life. If he continues this pace, Emeka Egbuka won't just earn snaps; he could be one of the most impactful rookie receivers in the NFL this season.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Oregon Duck Tez Johnson has high praise for former Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka
Former Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka has been making positive impressions on teammates and coaches for a long time. Even after being drafted in the first round of this year's NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he's already impressing new teammates. First, it was quarterback Baker Mayfield. Now it's fellow rookie and former Oregon Duck, Tez Johnson. Johnson, whom the Bucs picked in the seventh round of this year's draft, was asked about Egbuka at a recent press conference. "He's an Ohio State guy and he beat me in the Rose Bowl," Johnson said on Sunday. "But he's a good guy. He's very twitchy for his size, and he runs really good routes and has really strong hands. The guy's smart. He's a human computer." It's more proof of what Buckeye Nation already knew and witnessed for the past four seasons. Johnson and Egbuka are rooming together during summer camp. Egbuka said his roommate snores and brings up the Rose Bowl every day. It seems like what was a small rivalry in college has developed into a respectable friendship. The two dynamic wide receivers, paired with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, could be a formidable duo for years to come. This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Former Ohio State receiver is making a great impression with teammates
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Buccaneers training camp notebook, Day 5: Emeka Egbuka continues to impress
The Bucs roster has reported to Tampa Bay, and as a result, they have started their journey into the 2025 season. It starts at home in Tampa Bay, but they hope it ends on the road in Santa Clara, where they have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in five years. The worst part of football, especially during training camp, is waiting for injury updates as they occur or as players attempt to return from injuries sustained the previous season. In the case of the Bucs, they had to battle the injury bug more than they did any divisional opponent. It will make monitoring injuries throughout camp a big part of our coverage here on Bucs Wire over the next couple of weeks. After day five, plays continued to be made on both sides of the ball, but one new addition to the team continues to turn heads as we head into the second calendar week of training camp. Emeka Egbuka continues to make plays The Bucs were already considered to have one of the best offenses in the NFL, and then they drafted Emeka Egbuka. The first-round pick out of Ohio State was considered by many to be the most pro-ready wide receiver in the class and early on in camp he has proved that. He has made acrobatic catches, shown good awareness on the sideline and back of the endzone, and also become a favorite target of Baker Mayfield. Every day, it seems there is a new play being made that is being talked about by the media, but now the team is sharing clips on social media. While everyone waits for Chris Godwin Jr. to return and Jalen McMillan to emerge as the WR3 after having that role in 2024, Egbuka is making that decision hard on Todd Bowles. If there is a continued connection with Mayfield and the former Buckeye as camp roles on, someone is going to be left in the cold. Bucs watching Calijah Kancey in the best way possible The Bucs want to see what a 17-game version of Calijah Kancey looks like, both to their benefit and the detriment of opposing offenses. He broke out in 2024 with a dominant second half but a slow first half of the season coming off a calf injury hampered things. Now, in 2025, the Bucs are hoping to see what a 17-game version of him looks like, which includes Vita Vea. Kancey's linemate spoke about the work that the former Pittsburgh Panther has done this offseason and heading into the new year. Vea says, "I expect big things from him, he has shown a lot," said Vea. "Especially from OTAs to minicamp to now, he has shown a lot of upsides in how he is playing, and how much he has learned in the past couple of years. I am excited to see what he does this year, and I expect nothing but big things from him." Baker Mayfield's contract a sign of things to come? Baker Mayfield received a bonus of sorts on Monday when his contract with the Bucs was revised to include more guaranteed money. Now, $30 of his $40 million in 2025 will be guaranteed and it sets him up to make a good payday in the coming months, or after the season. The Bucs have seen their franchise take everything to the next level as a whole, is locking it up the next step? Like most contracts, the sooner a team can lock someone up the better which makes it interesting this isn't a full scale extension. Jason Licht and his front office will lock up Mayfield eventually, but for how much? The quarterback market in 2027 is not the strongest so Mayfield would get more money thrown his way. That being said though, look for Mayfield to be paid like a top ten quarterback sooner rather than later.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buccaneers Continuity Key To Baker Mayfield's 2025 Form
Buccaneers Continuity Key To Baker Mayfield's 2025 Form originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of noise around them in 2025 and for good reason, with the franchise boasting one of the most well-rounded rosters in football. Advertisement A defense that should be better than a year ago, thanks to the signing of Haason Reddick, plus a couple of draft picks expected to his the ground running, and let's not forget the offense. That will be how this team gets to where it needs to go, with Baker Mayfield having an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Coming off a career-best season after throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, Mayfield will be tasked with leading a deep playoff run. But can he? Bleacher Report thinks so. "The NFL's fourth-highest-rated passer threw 41 touchdown passes and has all of his key supporters back for his age-30 season," Bleacher Report writes. Advertisement Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images That offensive continuity is big here. Yes, some will point to Josh Grizzard being Baker's third coordinator in three years, but some forget he was on the staff last season as the passing game coordinator under Liam Coen. So, the change won't be "that" big. Still, with all his key weapons returning with the addition of first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, plus all five starting offensive linemen, and Bucky Irving leading the run game, Tampa Bay has some serious venom. And it is because of this that Baker will be able to continue on his career resurgence in 2025 and lead this team on a deep playoff run…well, that's the hope anyway. Advertisement Related: Haason Reddick Tipped To 'Restore Reputation' With Buccaneers Related: Buccaneers' Safety Falls in NFL Position Rankings This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The Buccaneers deserve more respect as contenders ahead of the 2025 season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the NFC South four straight seasons and narrowly lost to the Washington Commanders in the 2024 Wild Card round. Yet despite their consistent success, the Bucs are still often overlooked among the NFC's best teams. That's a narrative that doesn't match reality. Heading into the offseason, Tampa Bay identified two glaring roster needs: improving the pass rush and adding depth at cornerback. They addressed both aggressively through the draft and free agency, significantly upgrading a defense that finished top 10 in scoring but struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing offense, the Bucs targeted their missing piece at not only WR3 by drafting Emeka Egbuka in the first round, but the heir to Mike Evans as he enters the final year of his contract. Egbuka offers precise route-running, strong hands, and versatility in the slot or outside, giving Baker Mayfield a reliable third receiving option alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Defensively, Tampa's new additions bolster both their pass rush and secondary by signing Haason Reddick in free agency and then drafting two cornerbacks in Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. Adding more consistent pressure allows their secondary to play tighter coverage, while upgraded cornerbacks improve matchup versatility. This dual improvement is crucial in a division that has made strides to compete for the South title. The NFC South remains favorable. Atlanta is counting on a rookie quarterback who will be in his first year as a full-time starter, New Orleans is dealing with roster upheaval, and Carolina is rebuilding. Tampa Bay enters 2025 as the division's most complete team. With their key defensive issues addressed and a more balanced offense featuring a true WR3, the Buccaneers are positioned not just to make the playoffs again, but to be serious contenders in the NFC. It's time the league and fans alike recognize Tampa as one of the conference's best teams heading into 2025.
