Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been making his presence felt as part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense during the preseason. Egbuka, a first-round pick (19th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, looks like he’s found a rhythm with Buccaneers starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Egbuka has been targeted four times on pass plays, but not from Mayfield. He has two catches for 26 yards and one touchdown through two preseason games. At Ohio State, Egbuka was primarily a slot and short-range receiver who played a pivotal role in leading the Buckeyes to a national championship last season.
While his numbers might not be impressive right now, there are some things he does that impress Mayfield. The veteran signal-caller knows a good receiver when he sees one. Mayfield is even drawing comparisons between Egbuka and a two-time All-Pro receiver.
Who Is Baker Mayfield Comparing Emeka Egbuka With Now?
Mayfield sees some similarities in Egbuka’s style of play to that of Detroit Lions’ standout wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. St. Brown scored a career-high 12 touchdowns in the 2024 season for the Lions while also finishing with 115 catches for 1,263 receiving yards.
“Receivers don’t always stay on the ground, run through the catch to get yards after the catch, and he reminds me of Amon-Ra St. Brown in a way, which is obviously high praise,” Mayfield said in an interview with RG.org. “Amon-Ra St. Brown is an absolute stud, but he does a lot of things similar to where he’s always trying to make a big play.
“He’s so intelligent,” Mayfield said when talking about Egbuka. “Between Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, they both have seen a lot of football, a lot of coverages. They understand how to win on leverage and whatnot. He reminds me of those guys mentally. When it comes to physical characteristics, he’s quick, twitchy, explosive.”
What Traits Are Egbuka Showing Mayfield?
Egbuka is also showing his Buccaneers teammates that he has a level of professionalism in his work. Being a rookie in the NFL with some expectations on his shoulders might sink other players.
Yet Egbuka might have picked up those professional traits while in college and playing under Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. Mayfield has not played in any preseason games and won’t be in Tampa Bay’s final one on Saturday, August 23, against the Buffalo Bills.
For Mayfield, his time working with Egbuka has come on the practice fields. He’s been able to connect with the rookie receiver on some pass plays, which has given him an idea of how Egbuka, who is drawing a look from fantasy football players, might show up when the NFL regular season gets underway.
Tampa Bay fans should have a good time watching Mayfield sling passes to Egbuka this season.
