The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have opened the season 2-0 with road wins over the Falcons and Texans. A big reason for their early success is the depth at wide receiver, where rookie Emeka Egbuka has quickly joined veteran star Mike Evans and newcomer Sterling Shepard as Baker Mayfield’s go-to options.
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The Bucs’ receiving corps could get even stronger once Chris Godwin returns from his ankle injury. Godwin was limited in Thursday’s practice and has a chance to suit up for the Week 3 home opener against the Jets.
Even with Godwin back in the mix, Emeka Egbuka’s role shouldn’t shrink. The rookie has already carved out a place in the offense, showing a knack for getting open and making big plays. Through two games, he’s been targeted 13 times, hauling in 8 catches for 96 yards and 3 touchdowns.
That touchdown production is what puts him in the early conversation with the NFL’s top rookies. Egbuka combines sharp route running with speed and reliable hands—traits that should keep him front and center in Todd Bowles’ and Josh Grizzard’s plans as long as he stays healthy. He was sidelined from Thursday’s practice with hip and groin issues, but his upside remains clear.
Back at Ohio State, Egbuka often got mistaken for his high-profile teammates, CJ Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba—something he’s quickly proving won’t happen in the NFL.
During his Ohio State career, Emeka Egbuka shared the field with Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud and Seattle Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Buckeye fans—and even casual observers—often confused him for the two stars.
“We were going to the Rose Bowl my freshman year, right before Jaxon had that big game,” Egbuka told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “We went to Disneyland as a team, and I was getting called ‘Jaxon’ and ‘CJ’ left and right. We have similar hair; we have similar everything.”
Egbuka made it clear he never tried to pass himself off as either teammate. “I don’t sign for them. I say, ‘Hey, that’s not me, and I wish I could make your dreams come true.’”
Now with Tampa Bay, Egbuka is carving out his own identity on a team that has been one of the NFL’s most consistent winners. The Buccaneers have claimed four straight NFC South titles and remain favorites to extend that run.
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have carried the offense in clutch moments during that stretch. With Egbuka now in the mix, Baker Mayfield has another reliable weapon—and the Bucs’ passing game looks more dangerous than ever.
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