More props for Bucs’ star rookie.
Turn on the various hollering shows on BSPN and FS1 this past week and a big subject on many of them is Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield and his quest for the NFL MVP honor.
But he wasn’t the only Bucs player who was getting props on these same shows.
Bucs rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka was getting tons of run. Not only is Egbuka living up to the hype, but ex-NFL players are absolutely raving about him.
Former Bucs backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky suggested Egbuka is his No. 5 player to win MVP. Former Bucs corner Aqib Talib said Egbuka is the next Ja’Marr Chase.
Over at CBS, former Belicheats running back Damien Harris thinks Egbuka might be another Justin Jefferson with his production and his physical skills combined with his intelligence.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are watching a [rookie] turn into a superstar right in front of our eyes, and he’s only five weeks into the season,” Harris began. “I mean, you want to talk about giving Baker Mayfield a weapon when he already has weapons.
“They’re not all healthy right now, but you got a guy that’s a rookie, and in Week 5, is one of the best receivers in the National Football League, and is putting the entire league on notice.”
Harris then noted in his last three games, Egbuka has 163 yards. And in the same time frame, that puts him in elite company among NFL receivers.
“Now, that is not the most since Week 2, but the only guys in that same conversation are Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Justin Jefferson,” Harris said. “So you mean to tell me that a rookie in Week 5 of his first NFL season is in that type of company?”
Harris added there is nothing about Egbuka that suggests he’s a rookie the way he plays, the way he runs routes, the way he uses his head and how strong his hands are.
Quite honestly, Egbuka has saved the Bucs. Where would the Bucs be right now if they didn’t have him with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan on the shelf?
The Bucs would likely be 0-5, that’s where. And right now we’d be talking about drafting Egbuka’s former Ohio State teammate, receiver Jeremiah Smith.
To think a guy who considers himself an NFL insider called out Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht as “Millen” for drafting Egbuka.
Licht and his staff ought to get a friggin’ raise they were so ahead of the curve on Egbuka.
"We are watching [Emeka Egbuka] turn into a superstar right in front of our eyes."@DHx34 applauds Buccaneers' WR Emeka Egbuka's fast start in 2025. pic.twitter.com/tGFc1nBw0u
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 6, 2025