The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned heads in the NFL Draft by picking Ohio State standout Emeka Egbuka with the No. 19 overall pick despite already having one of the league’s best receiver duos in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
The move may hint at what’s coming down the line. With a deep receiver room and looming contract questions, the Bucs could be planning for a changing of the guard sooner than expected.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Depth Chart After Adding Emeka Egbuka
Who Is Mike Evans?
Evans has been the anchor of Tampa Bay’s wide receiver corps for over a decade. The veteran is a homegrown talent who has developed into one of the most accomplished pass-catchers in NFL history.
A 2014 first-round pick, Evans has posted 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career, a league record. Evans is also the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Evans signed a two-year, $41 million extension in 2024, and he is set to become a free agent in 2026, which may be why the team selected Egbuka.
The future Hall of Famer has 836 career receptions, 12,684 receiving yards, and 105 receiving touchdowns during his 11-year career.
Who Is Chris Godwin?
Drafted by the Bucs in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft (No. 84 overall), Godwin emerged as a full-time starter in his third season. The shifty veteran has primarily thrived in the slot and is known for his route running, reliable hands, and ability to pick up key first downs.
Godwin, 29, signed a three-year, $66 million ($44 million guaranteed) extension in March, so the veteran is under contract through the 2027 season (team option). Godwin’s cap figure is $33.6 million in 2026, a high salary figure for a receiver set to enter his 30s.
He has recorded four 1,000-yard seasons.
Who Is Jalen McMillan?
The Bucs drafted Jalen McMillan in the third round, No. 92 overall, following a productive college career at Washington. As a rookie, McMillan posted 37 receptions, 461 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns playing in an extremely receiver-rich room. While his rookie year offered limited opportunities, he possesses strong upside as a developmental prospect for the franchise.
Entering his second season, McMillan was expected to compete for a larger role behind Evans and Godwin. However, with Egbuka added to the equation, it’s safe to wonder how much playing time will be available in the Bucs’ strong passing attack.
Who Is Emeka Egbuka?
Egbuka had a storied collegiate career with the Buckeyes, setting the school record in receptions (205) and receiving yards (2,868). There’s no question Egbuka possesses first-round talent, but Tampa Bay wasn’t one of the landing spots most experts predicted in the lead-up to the draft.
The Bucs add a versatile playmaker to the lineup. Egbuka has the skills to play the slot and on the outside. With Evans approaching the end of his current deal, Tampa Bay may view Egbuka as the team’s future at the position.
