The Bucs say the drafting of Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka in Round 1 had nothing to do with injured but recovering Chris Godwin and Mike Evans turning 32 soon without a 2026 contract in his pocket.
The Bucs also said the Egbuka pick was not a referendum on second-year receiver Jalen McMillan, who had a star-caliber finish to his rookie year.
Joe wouldn’t bet a nickel on that being the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
And neither would Rondé Barber.
There’s still plenty of silence surrounding Godwin’s recovery from a dislocated ankle and surgery to repair it. That injury occurred seven months ago.
So yeah, Joe is sensitive to any comments about Godwin’s health.
Enter Chucky, aka Jon Gruden. The Bucs’ Super Bowl-winning head coach (2002 season) recently has been embraced by Buccaneers executives like a lost puppy showing up at his family’s front door. Gruden’s name already has been restored inside the stadium Ring of Honor, and Gruden joined the Bucs in producing their official 2025 draft-reveal video last month, in which he was the star.
Then the Bucs made Chucky a feature during their National Coaching Academy clinic, bringing Gruden back representing the team on the fields of One Buc Palace.
Interestingly, Gruden chimed in on Godwin’s health during a chat on WDAE radio this week. He praised the pick of Egbuka and talked multiple times about how he’s an extremely professional route runner.
“And I think everybody realizes Godwin is going to take a little time to come back,” Gruden said. “But good God, when he does come back, this is some firepower, man.”
Hmmm, so after a bunch of time around the Bucs, Gruden comfortably states Godwin will need a little time to come back. What does that mean?
Chucky went on to drop more love on Egbuka and the Bucs roster.
“I think that’s a staple in how Jason Licht drafts,” Gruden said. “He drafts captains. He drafts production. He drafts guys that, you know, that really pass the interview test as well as the eyeball test. And it’s a credit to him. He’s done a great job as the GM of the Bucs.”