No shocker here.
Joe doesn’t think it is a stretch to suggest the Bucs will need strong play by a rookie if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs come January.
Jacob Parrish may be that guy. He’s likely going to be the Bucs’ starting nickel corner. But the way he has practiced, Joe thinks Bucs coach Todd Bowles may think about putting him at outside corner full-time.
The Bucs’ pass defense has been lousy the past two seasons. They need help in the secondary. Can Parrish be that guy? But in the big picture, another rookie may have the biggest impact.
As Dan Parr of NFL.com typed, until or unless he sees Chris Godwin on a football field, the [most important rookie](https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-nfl-season-one-pivotal-rookie-for-each-team) for the Bucs is Emeka Egbuka.
> With Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan also on the roster, the cupboard was never going to be bare at receiver in Tampa, but the potential of a Godwin absence that lingers into the regular season makes Egbuka an even more critical piece on offense. Head coach Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield are already raving about his versatility and route running in camp. The former Buckeye seems primed to hit the ground running when the real games begin.
Egbuka looks like a younger Godwin. Joe has often referred to Egbuka as a Godwin clone but yesterday Joe was talking to a Bucs suit who pointed out that Egbuka, while he looks like Godwin, is more like Godwin after a couple of years under his belt.
With Egbuka silky smooth and Bucky Irving now catching deep passes, Joe think the Bucs can survive Godwin being out for a stretch. They had a winning record without Godwin last year but missed his production.
And when Godwin comes back, look the eff out!