Mike Evans Has Strong Words For Buccaneers Rookie During Minicamp

Tampa Bay Buccaneers mandatory minicamp is underway and the greatest wide receiver in the team's history is impressed with rookie Emeka Egbuka.

Mike Evans knows a thing or two about playing the position at a high level. He’s accumulated 1,000 yards in every season as a professional dating back to 2014, so his opinion should be taken seriously.

It only took a couple of practices for him to realize his squad had added a talented player during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

"Emeka has really strong hands, super smart. He looks like a running back, but he catches like Chris Godwin. He's a very polished, very well-rounded player,” Evans said.

“It gives me more motivation,” Evans added. “It helps me keep that hunger seeing young, great players like that.”

Egbuka was the 19th overall selection in April’s draft and he joins a stacked receiver room in Tampa with the likes of Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan. With quarterback Baker Mayfield coming off his best season as a professional with 41 touchdowns, it’s safe to say he might replicate that production, or at least be near it.

Egbuka brings crisp route running and reliable hands. His 6’1”, 205-pound frame gives him a physicality advantage when he plays in the slot, which is where he excels. He posted 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final Ohio State season, capping off a legendary career with a national championship in his last game.

Although the team lost its offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, they have an argument for being the NFL’s most talented offense when you include Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. With the addition of the Ohio State product, Tampa’s offense should remain potent.