The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up the 2025 NFL Draft earlier this month and left Green Bay with another haul from general manager Jason Licht.
With their first overall selection at No. 19 in the first round, Licht shocked many by taking Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Emeka Egbuka rather than filling a perceived need on defense.
But Egbuka will fit in nicely with the offense led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, second-year running back Bucky Irving and future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans.
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Champion signed his rookie contract with the Bucs on Friday and sent a message to all Bucs fans.
"What up, Krewe? Emeka Egbuka checking in. Just signed my contract, officially a Buc," Egbuka said. "Excited to get to work!"
The pick of Egbuka by the Bucs surprised many because the team will return all 11 of its starters from what was one of the league's top offenses in 2024. Licht and the team were expected to target defense, which they did later, even taking cornerbacks in the second and third rounds.
Egbuka ended last season first on the Buckeyes with 81 catches and second with 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He'll add depth to a wideout room that also includes last year's third-round pick, Jalen McMillan from Washington, with whom Egbuka played 7-on-7 high school ball . Eight-year veteran Chris Godwin is coming off a nasty broken ankle in Week 10 last season and might not be ready to start 2025.
If that's the case, he can take his time in recovery with Egbuka taking over the slot early in the season.