TAMPA — If there’s one standout player in the NFL draft, it’s Emeka Egbuka. The Ohio State receiver has shown such remarkable performance that it feels like the Buccaneers have been ready to draft him for ages.
“He’s incredibly motivated,” noted Mike Biehl, the Bucs’ VP of player personnel. “His leadership extends beyond just talking; it’s about how he practices and thinks. He naturally elevates those around him by his example. Others might say similar things, but he genuinely means every word.”
Egbuka has the instincts, toughness, and the quick thinking needed to read a defense. He’s being compared to Chris Godwin, and it’s not just about physical talent; his temperament sets him apart.
“It’s tough not to draw comparisons, but it’s almost uncanny,” Biehl admitted. “He finds ways to get open that are not solely based on athleticism. It’s the little things that matter most.”
This pick seems timely too, especially considering Mike Evans is turning 32 in August and Chris Godwin is recovering from a serious injury.
Meanwhile, fans hope Egbuka can also contribute defensively—maybe rush the passer or create turnovers?
Teams often mess up by not choosing the best player available, but the Bucs flipped that script. They’ve picked Egbuka primarily based on his character and pass-catching skills.
Overall, the Bucs hit plenty of targets with their six draft picks over the weekend in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Looking for depth at cornerback? Check that box. They picked two: Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison in the second round and Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish in the third round.
Morrison is currently bouncing back from hip surgery, having missed 10 games last season. Given the history of injuries with cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean, this adds some apprehension, especially after Davis was traded and Dean missed several games.
“We had a conversation about Morrison’s condition,” said Bucs assistant GM Rob McCartney. “I won’t get into specifics, but it reassured us.”
As for Parrish, he brings a unique skill set from his wrestling background.
“Combining his multi-sport athleticism and wrestling mindset as a nickel corner is pretty rare,” noted McCartney.
The Buccaneers also strengthened their pass rush by selecting David Walker from Central Arkansas in the fourth round. Walker towered at 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds during his college career, asserting dominance with 39 sacks and over 80 tackles for loss across four seasons.
In the fifth round, they drafted Elijah Roberts from SMU, a Miami transfer.
“He’s a pressure player, plain and simple,” McCartney described. “He’s got size and speed, running the 40-yard dash in the 4.8s.”
The most electrifying pick? Oregon’s Tez Johnson, a versatile receiver and returner. Sporting a pendant labeled “Tezmania,” he’s ready to bring energy to the field.
Despite being 5-10 and weighing 154 pounds, Johnson racked up 10 touchdowns in each of his last two seasons at Oregon.
“He’s full of life,” mentioned McCartney. “He’s going to light up the locker room and certainly make plays on the field.”
By all accounts, the Bucs made smart choices, selecting players who can make an immediate impact.
One note: the draft didn’t have a lot of standout inside linebackers. The Buccaneers are relying on SirVocea Dennis’ recovery and hoping veteran Lavonte David continues to defy age.
And let’s just hope Egbuka can tackle!
Bucs Draft Recap
- WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (1st Round, 19th Overall)
- CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame (2nd Round, 53rd)
- CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State (3rd Round, 84th)
- EDGE David Walker, Central Arkansas (4th Round, 121st)
- DL Elijah Roberts, SMU (5th Round, 157th)
- WR Tez Johnson, Oregon (7th Round, 235th)
Conclusion
The Buccaneers have taken significant steps to enrich their roster with talented players who not only excel on the field but also possess the characteristics needed to build a cohesive team. With picks that fill key gaps while also looking to the future, fans can be excited about the upcoming season.
FAQs
Who is Emeka Egbuka?
Emeka Egbuka is a first-round draft pick from Ohio State, recognized for his exceptional receiving skills and leadership qualities.
Who else did the Buccaneers draft?
The Bucs drafted a variety of players including cornerbacks, edge rushers, and a dynamic receiver, focusing on both immediate and future team needs.
What positions were prioritized in the draft?
The Buccaneers emphasized cornerbacks and pass rushers, aiming to enhance their defensive lineup effectively.
