The NFL season is three months away, and rookie standouts are already getting valuable reps this summer, at least in Tampa Bay. The Bucs are still searching for Super Bowl magic from their Tom Brady era. While it may not happen this season, it could be the start of something special in the years to come.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, quarterback Baker Mayfield was asked about who could have an immediate impact once the season is underway.
His answer was rather simple, yet eye-opening, considering the circumstances: rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka.
"You can plug-and-play him at any receiver spot." Mayfield said about Egbuka. "That's just him being a pro already. He's not a rookie. He doesn't act like it, at least. It has been really good to take that ownership. He takes it extremely serious, but he's in constant communication. He always wants to be in the right spot at the right time."
Egbuka was a vocal point in the Ohio State offense this past season. He helped his team win a national title in January, Ryan Day's first as coach. Egbuka caught 10 touchdowns.
Mayfield isn't the only one noticing Egbuka's presence. Just ask Bucs pass game coordinator Kefense Hynson.
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Hynson said Egbuka is making immediate strides already.
"He has position flexibility," Hynson said. "You know, people say ‘receiver,’ but there are really three, maybe four or even five spots, depending on how many you play with. He has the mental capacity to learn all of them—and not just learn, but actually be good at them, which I think people forget."
Egbuka could be in for a stellar NFL career. For now, though, the early praise should be a good sign of things to come.
For now, it remains to be seen whether he keeps it up as his journey has just begun.