'Looks like he’s been in the league for years' — Emeka Egbuka turning heads in Buccaneers camp

Tom Gorski

'Looks like he’s been in the league for years' — Emeka Egbuka turning heads in Buccaneers camp image

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers raised some eyebrows when they selected Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka in April’s NFL Draft. But since arriving in Tampa, the rookie has done nothing but impress.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the reviews have been glowing.

“Tampa Bay coaches and staff have been impressed by how smooth and consistent he’s been — both in his route-running and overall feel for the game,” Schultz shared on X. “One staffer said he ‘looks like he’s been in the league for years.’”

Once Chris Godwin is back to full strength, Schultz added, this receiver group “has a chance to be beyond special.”

With Mike Evans, Godwin, Jalen McMillan—and now Egbuka—the Buccaneers have one of the deeper receiving corps in the league. But early signs suggest Egbuka isn’t just another name on the depth chart. He’s ready to contribute right away.

That’s not unfamiliar territory for Egbuka

He piled up 205 catches, nearly 2,900 yards, 24 touchdowns—and finished it all off with a national championship.

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He showed up in the big moments and proved he could line up pretty much anywhere. Coaches trusted him to handle a bit of everything, and he usually delivered.

Now, he’s bringing that same energy to his first NFL camp. Coaches have already noticed how hard he works and how versatile he is. 

They believe he can step in right away and make plays. His ability to read defenses and change routes on the fly gives Tampa Bay’s offense a fresh look — something they really need with all the talent waiting to break out.

Coming out of Ohio State, scouts expected him to adjust quickly to the NFL, and so far, he’s doing just that. With such a strong group of receivers around him, Egbuka looks ready to help lift the Buccaneers’ offense this season.

Tom Gorski

Tom Gorski is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is pursuing a master’s degree in sports media at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Tom earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Communications from DePaul University, where he spent two years reporting on the Big East for The DePaulia, the university’s award-winning student newspaper. His background in sports journalism includes positions with 247Sports, the Region Sports Network and Fans First Sports Network, where he covered high school, college and professional sports.