When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they surprised many analysts who expected them to address defensive needs. Instead, they doubled down on their passing attack, adding one of the most reliable wide receivers in the class. With his blend of precise route running, strong hands, and proven production, Egbuka presents an intriguing fantasy option for 2025.
Landing Spot
The Bucs stunned many when they selected Emeka Egbuka in the first round of the draft. Egbuka was a very talented receiver out of Ohio State, but he was consistently the second wide receiver in Ohio State’s offense. With the Buccaneers, he will likely be the third option in the short term.
Tampa Bay’s receiving corps is one of the most talented in the NFL, featuring Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and 2024 rookie Jalen McMillan. In order for Egbuka to play significant snaps in his most natural role as a rookie, he would need to beat out Godwin, who has been one of the most prolific slot receivers of the last decade and was a top wide receiver in fantasy points per game last season.
The competition for targets is fierce, but Egbuka’s skill set could carve him out a unique role. Egbuka wins from the slot with nuance and detailed route running… He projects as a consistent slot playmaker at the next level. With Evans and Godwin potentially handling the outside duties, Egbuka could rotate with Godwin in the slot or serve as insurance if injuries occur.
Egbuka lands in an offense quarterbacked by Baker Mayfield, who just led the Bucs to a top-five scoring offense in 2024. The Buccaneers’ high-powered offense provides opportunities, but Egbuka will need to earn his snaps in what’s suddenly become a crowded receiver room.
Upside
Egbuka’s upside stems from his NFL-ready skill set and the potential for target volume in Tampa Bay’s pass-heavy offense. Emeka Egbuka is a detailed and nuanced route runner to fill the “chain mover” role in an NFL offense. His route running prowess and ability to find space against zone coverage make him exactly the type of receiver that thrives in today’s NFL.
One of Egbuka’s biggest advantages is his experience as a high-volume target at Ohio State. Despite playing alongside future first-rounders like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jeremiah Smith, Egbuka still managed to put up multiple 1,000-yard seasons. In his senior year, he posted 81 catches for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Emeka Egbuka has been a key piece of Ohio State’s offense, twice surpassing 1,000 receiving yards while showcasing strong hands and a natural feel for finding space. This production against elite college competition bodes well for his NFL transition.
The Buccaneers’ offense provides additional upside. Even if Evans retires after the season, Godwin, McMillan and Egbuka are all more suited to be slot receivers or Z receivers rather than X receivers, making it challenging for the three to coexist. Both Godwin and McMillan will be on the roster for a minimum of two seasons. This creates inherent competition but also opportunity if injuries strike or roles shift.
Concerns
Fantasy managers considering Egbuka should be aware of several concerns. The most immediate is the depth chart situation. If you ranked the teams that needed a wide receiver the most heading into the draft, the Buccaneers would be near the bottom of the list. With Evans, Godwin, and McMillan already established, Egbuka faces an uphill battle for consistent targets.
His physical limitations present another concern. Doesn’t possess burner speed For a WR that spends most of his time out of the slot, Ebuka doesn’t possess track speed by any means. Egbuka ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine, solid but not elite. This lack of elite speed could limit his ability to create big plays in an offense that values explosive plays.
College injury history is another factor to consider. As a result, he has had to miss games for two of his four years. Thankfully, he has been able to play in every game this season. But in the last draft cycle, I was told it was a concern on the minds of multiple NFL teams. Durability concerns could affect his availability and consistency.
Finally, there’s the question of projectable role. Egbuka has been a number two receiver throughout college and will likely remain a No. 2 receiver in the NFL. If the offense is good enough, this can work fine for his fantasy value, but there are some landing spots where Egbuka’s fantasy value could be minimal. In Tampa Bay’s crowded receiver room, determining his exact role could take time.
Fantasy Football Bottom Line
Emeka Egbuka represents a high-floor, moderate-ceiling fantasy prospect for 2025. His reliable route running and proven production suggest he’ll contribute at the NFL level, but the crowded Tampa Bay receiver corps limits his immediate upside.
For redraft leagues, Egbuka profiles as a late-round pick with flex appeal. In PPR formats, his chain-moving ability and reliable hands could provide weekly value, particularly if injuries create opportunities. However, drafting him expecting WR2 production immediately might lead to disappointment.
Dynasty managers should view Egbuka more favorably. Emeka Egbuka is a detailed and nuanced route runner to fill the “chain mover” role in an NFL offense… Projects as a consistent slot playmaker at the next level. His NFL-ready skill set and first-round pedigree suggest long-term value, even if year-one production is limited.
The key for Egbuka will be carving out a specific role in the Bucs’ offense. Egbuka is a smart WR and should be able to carve out a role early in his career. But I think he could end up being taken further down the list of WRs in the 2025 class than many people realize. If he can establish himself as the primary slot option or emerge as a red zone threat, his fantasy value could quickly rise.
Bottom line: Egbuka offers fantasy managers a safe floor with moderate upside. He’s unlikely to win you your league in 2025, but he could provide steady production and has the talent to grow into a larger role as his career progresses. Consider him a late-round value pick with long-term upside.
