Bucs general manager Jason Licht shocked many with the pick of Emeka Egbuka, but perhaps it shouldn't have been a surprise
The comments came flying on social media, and – to be honest – it included some thoughts that formulated in my head as well. "Can he play CB or safety? Is he also a two-way player that no one else knows about?" The quips about Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka, who the Bucs took with […]
The comments came flying on social media, and – to be honest – it included some thoughts that formulated in my head as well.
"Can he play CB or safety? Is he also a two-way player that no one else knows about?"
The quips about Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka, who the Bucs took with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, aren't out of line by any means. After all, the Bucs were expected by many coming into the draft to address the defensive side of the ball early.
Tampa Bay's pass defense was terrible for stretches in 2024. That's a secret to almost no one, as the entire nation saw Kirk Cousins and the normally pedestrian Atlanta offense torch the Bucs' defense for over 500 yards passing in a 36-30 win on Thursday night football last October. Lamar Jackson and Baltimore decimated the Bucs on Monday night football as well. Even Cooper Rush led the Cowboys to a win on Sunday night football.
Head coach Todd Bowles said last month at the owners' meetings that they were looking particularly to improve the cornerback room. He also called out incumbent starter for being more available and healthier in 2025. As such, it seemed that, perhaps, defense was on the forefront of their minds.
Not so much. But then again, Jason Licht isn't shy about taking who he feels is the best player available to him. And he plans for the future as much as anyone. And the Bucs as they're built go as well as their offense, highlighted by their passing attack with Baker Mayfield, goes.
Mike Evans hit 1000 yards again last year, but his days of high productivity aren't going to last forever. He's also just under contract for one more season. Chris Godwin signed a 3-year, $66 million deal last month, but he is still working his way back from a gruesome ankle injury against Baltimore that ended his season. The Bucs have also had a significant number of injuries at the position over the last few years.
There are reasons, whether you like them or not. And I get it. The Bucs simply have to find a way to cover better in 2025 than they did in 2024. But there's also hope that the return of SirVocea Dennis beside Lavonte David could help significantly to improve, along with a full season of Antoine Winfield, Jr. and Dean.
I think the Bucs will look to get help on day two on the defensive side of the ball. After all, I agree the defense needs to be reinforced, particularly on the back end. But I also get this pick. After all, who am I to question Licht? This is what he does.
Bucs ignore their biggest needs in the first round and it leaves more questions than answers heading into Day 2 of the draft
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a very peculiar decision by drafting wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It has nothing to do with the player and everything to do with the fit. Outside of injury to one of the incumbents, it's hard to envision Egbuka ranking any […]
