When a player arrives at his first NFL home as a first-round draft pick, there are obviously high expectations that he will develop into one of the team's core players. In the case of Emeka Egbuka, selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19th overall back in April, the bar may seem to be set even a bit higher.
Despite obvious needs on defense at cornerback and edge rusher, and with the offense clearly outperforming the defense the season before, the Buccaneers used their top pick on a receiver, adding to a room that already included the likes of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. That the Bucs would invest that draft capital in a position that was already a strength indicated that they believed Ebugka is a special talent, and the type of person they have stressed in their draft evaluations.
Ebugka hasn't taken a snap in an NFL game yet, and there are never any guarantees that even the highest-drafted players will hit it big. That said, to this point in his young career, Egbuka has already been even more impressive than the Bucs' coaches and his teammates could have expected.
"He's been, in a great way, as expected," said Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard. "Still, even if there is that expectation with him coming in as a first-round pick, he's even exceeded that, where his communication skills are off the charts. And his ability to pick up the scheme is different than for, say J-Mac, you're coming back and it's similar verbiage and things of that nature. What he's been able to do as a rookie is unbelievable. And then, once the ball is snapped, you guys have seen it, he's been getting open. You can tell how strong he is through the catch, his YAC's been great. Of course, he's a really good blocker. He's such a cultural fit as well that it's been a good start for him."
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practicing during 2025 Training Camp on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at AdventHealth Training Center.
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Safety Christian Izien #29 and Defensive/Special Teams Assistant Keith Tandy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Emeka Egbuka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard and Senior Offensive Assistant Tom Moore of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Center Jake Majors #65 and Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 and Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 and Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Running Back Josh Williams #37, Running Back Sean Tucker #44, Running Back Rachaad White #1 and Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 and Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 and Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Tackle Ben Chukwuma #70 and Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #75 and Defensive Lineman Elijah Roberts #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 and Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 ns Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 and Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 and Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 and Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Benjamin Morrison #21 and Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 and Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Center Graham Barton #62, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Guard Ben Bredeson #68, Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 and Tackle Charlie Heck #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 and Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Haason Reddick #5 and Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Guard Elijah Klein #79, Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 and Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Haason Reddick #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Linebacker Deion Jones #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Tez Johnson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 and Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Punter Jake Julien #16, Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86, Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4, Punter Riley Dixon #92 and Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Buccaneers Legend Ronde Barber and Vice President of Player Personnel Mike Biehl during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Ross of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buccaneers Legend Warrick Dunn during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Team Reporter Casey Phillips during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 28, 2025 - Buccaneers Legend Ronde Barber during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Every snap in training camp is meticulously logged and charted by the football staff, but there aren't really any statistics to show off at this point. Anecdotally, Egbuka has made a handful of splash plays and has impressed with his route-running and command of the offense. Second-year safety Tykee Smith called Egbuka "smooth" in his routes and Head Coach Todd Bowles said that the rookie has turned heads even on plays when the ball isn't coming his way. Ebugka has already caught the attention of the veterans Evans and Godwin in a very good way.
"I've seen what I've expected to see from Emeka," said Evans. "Already, he's a true professional. He's going to be an unbelievable playmaker and have a great career in this league."
Evans and Godwin have taken Egbuka under their collective wing and are trying to make sure he's prepared for a big role in his rookie season.
"We just had a walk-through this morning, and we can coach it up, but Chris and Mike were coaching up the concept just as much as myself and B-Mac (Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon) were," said Grizzard. "And that's just on the field. I can't imagine what they talk about off the field on how to be a pro and how to conduct themselves."
And if Godwin, who is returning from a brutal ankle injury suffered in Week Seven of last season, is not fully ready to go by the start of the regular season, the Buccaneers have growing confidence that Egbuka can step in immediately and keep the offense humming.
"You're never going to replace Chris, because of what he does both on and off the field," said Grizzard. "But it is good to have another weapon in there, whether it be in the pass game or the run game, where we can now spread the ball around and get it to him as much as possible."
