Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka has been selected by Buccaneers with No. 19 overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft

In a move that strengthens an already promising offensive core, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The dynamic playmaker becomes the latest Buckeye wideout to transition from Columbus to the pros and enters a situation in Tampa Bay that could maximize his route-running precision and big-play ability.

The Buccaneers, coming off a season of growing pains and flashes of promise under new leadership, targeted Egbuka to inject more explosiveness into their receiving corps. With Mike Evans aging and Chris Godwin’s contract situation uncertain beyond 2025, Tampa Bay’s front office prioritized a versatile, polished wide receiver who can contribute immediately and become a long-term solution in their passing game.

From Steady Contributor to First-Round Star

Egbuka’s path to the first round of the NFL Draft was shaped by his resilience and development in a crowded Ohio State receiver room that’s churned out stars year after year. After making an early impact as a freshman and stepping into a larger role as a sophomore, Egbuka emerged as the Buckeyes’ go-to weapon in 2023 before battling injuries that slightly slowed his 2024 campaign.

Still, NFL scouts remained enamored with Egbuka’s film. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he combines polished route-running with reliable hands and the ability to create separation at all three levels. He finished his college career with 165 receptions for 2,417 yards and 21 touchdowns, showcasing an ability to operate both outside and in the slot. His adaptability, football IQ, and experience in a pro-style offense under Ryan Day made him a coveted target for teams seeking immediate production.

“Emeka’s one of the most complete receivers in this class,” an NFC South scout said before the draft. “He’s not just a burner or a possession guy—he does everything well and makes it look effortless.”

Tampa’s Offensive Vision

The Buccaneers were rumored to be exploring several directions with their first-round pick, including offensive tackle and edge rusher. But when Egbuka fell to No. 19, the decision reportedly came together quickly. Head coach Todd Bowles and offensive coordinator Liam Coen both advocated for adding a reliable weapon who could ease pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield—or whoever is under center by midseason.

Egbuka projects as a plug-and-play option in Tampa Bay’s evolving offense. With the team implementing more spread concepts and quick-hitting passing schemes, his ability to win off the line and find soft spots in zone coverage will be critical. He could line up immediately in the slot, giving Mayfield a trustworthy third-down target, or even replace Godwin in the long term if the Bucs pivot toward a younger core.

“He’s a guy who understands spacing and leverage and knows how to get open,” Coen said on draft night. “He’s going to make life a lot easier for everyone in this offense.”

Polished, Prepared, and Pro-Ready

Egbuka’s demeanor and approach to the game were major selling points throughout the pre-draft process. Unlike many prospects who rise or fall dramatically due to combine performances or workout metrics, Egbuka remained steady on draft boards thanks to his consistent tape and interviews. Teams came away impressed by his football IQ, professionalism, and ability to articulate route concepts and coverage adjustments.

“Emeka’s a technician,” Ryan Day said at Ohio State’s pro day. “He studies the game like a veteran, and he leads by example. Whoever drafts him is getting a complete player and a mature presence in the locker room.”

At the NFL Combine, Egbuka recorded a 4.47-second 40-yard dash—respectable but not blazing. His vertical (35.5 inches) and shuttle times were solid but not headline-grabbing. What stood out to evaluators was his fluid movement in drills and ability to run the cleanest, most precise routes in Indianapolis. That attention to detail, paired with his ability to make contested catches and contribute after the catch, reinforced his status as a first-round talent.

Buckeyes Continue First-Round Legacy

With Egbuka’s selection, Ohio State continues its tradition of producing elite wide receiver talent. He becomes the fourth Buckeye wideout to be drafted in the first round over the past four years, joining Garrett Wilson (Jets), Chris Olave (Saints), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks). Brian Hartline, OSU’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, has earned national praise for developing the most NFL-ready receiving corps in college football.

“Every year, we take pride in sending guys to the league who are prepared for everything the NFL throws at them,” Hartline said. “Emeka has been a model of consistency and leadership for us. He’s going to shine in Tampa.”

Egbuka also adds to a pipeline of Buckeyes who’ve found success with the Buccaneers, including former OSU defensive end Noah Spence and cornerback Cameron Brown. Though the team’s previous OSU draftees haven’t been stars, Egbuka represents an opportunity for Tampa Bay to finally get a Buckeye breakout at a premium position.

Fit in a Competitive NFC South

The NFC South remains one of the league’s most unpredictable divisions, with no team separating itself as a clear powerhouse. Atlanta drafted quarterback Carson Beck, Carolina continues its rebuild around Bryce Young, and New Orleans is recalibrating under a new head coach. Tampa Bay believes it’s a few pieces away from contending, especially after re-signing Mayfield and addressing depth issues on defense during free agency.

Egbuka’s presence will not only give the Bucs an offensive boost but could also help them keep pace in shootouts. If he quickly builds chemistry with Mayfield—or any of Tampa’s other young quarterbacks—he could be in line for a productive rookie season similar to that of Chris Olave in New Orleans in 2022.

Expect Egbuka to be featured early in the screen game, short routes, and intermediate crossers—areas where he thrives in space and punishes soft coverage. His experience at Ohio State in adjusting routes on the fly will be valuable in Tampa’s read-based passing game.

What Comes Next

Egbuka will head to Tampa Bay’s rookie minicamp in early May, where he’ll begin the process of earning snaps in a crowded but aging receiver room. He’ll be competing with Godwin, Trey Palmer, and Rakim Jarrett for targets, though his route-running and polish may quickly separate him from the pack.

The Buccaneers are betting that Egbuka will develop into a long-term WR1 option, especially if Evans or Godwin moves on in the near future. And if Egbuka delivers on his immense promise, Tampa Bay may have landed one of the draft’s true steals outside the top 15.

“I’m ready to work,” Egbuka said on stage after shaking Roger Goodell’s hand. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was a kid. I’m thankful to the Buccaneers for believing in me, and I can’t wait to get started.”