Emeka Egbuka has taken the NFL by storm during his inaugural campaign. Against the New York Jets on Sunday, he ignited the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offense with several acrobatic grabs that created palpable excitement inside Raymond James Stadium. In Week Three, Egbuka led Tampa Bay with six receptions and 85 receiving yards, both representing season highs. Through three games in his 2025 campaign, Egbuka has accumulated 14 receptions for 181 yards and three receiving touchdowns, making him one of two players in the NFL to reach such figures this season (also, Chicago's Rome Odunze at 15 receptions, 213 yards, four receiving touchdowns). Egbuka is the fifth player since 1990 to reach those figures in their first three career games played, joining Malik Nabers in 2024, Terry McLaurin in 2019, Roy Williams in 2004 and Randy Moss in 1998.
Among wide receivers with 10-plus targets this season, Egbuka's 133.1 passer rating when targeted is the second-highest mark in the NFL, trailing only Indianapolis' Michael Pittman (144.1).
"Right now, we do not even consider him a rookie," said Todd Bowles. "He has been doing it so much at practice and the details of his work that we kind of expect it from him in the building and I think outside everybody is kind of seeing it for the first time but it is a little early for Rookie of the Year-type things. If he can do that for 16, 17 weeks we will be happy."
Egbuka has garnered praised for his cerebral approach to the game and route-running acumen. His absorption of the playbook and knowledge of concepts at all receiver spots including X, Y and Z have spurred lavish praise from coaches and teammates. Whether motioning pre-snap to identify the defensive coverage or blocking to spur run lanes like Egbuka did for Baker Mayfield's critical 33-yard scramble inside the two-minute drill, Egbuka has been effective and selfless on the field.
In the second quarter, Egbuka made a sensational grab down the sideline against Sauce Gardner for a gain of 30 yards. He leapt into the air to haul in the one-handed catch, showcasing his elite catch radius and focus at the catch point. Late in the game during the final drive, Egbuka made a jaw-dropping catch, maintaining possession as he dropped his right foot in bounds and drug his left foot. However, the catch was ruled incomplete. Just before it, he had another 28-yard gain off an out-breaking route to move the chains for Tampa Bay. In the absence of Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan, Egbuka has spurred the offense, becoming a go-to target for Mayfield.
Egbuka attacks leverage with route pacing and understands how to use subtleties to generate separation. With elite ball-tracking skills, ability to exploit off coverage, proficiency at the stem and perfectionist mindset, Egbuka has elevated the Bucs' offense in 2025.
