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We have stated since the NFL Draft that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers zigged when the NFL thought they would zag with the first-round selection of Emeka Egbuka.
With the Buccaneers' receiver room already teaming with talent in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, plus Cade Otton and running back Bucky Irving, who is also a pass-catcher, it made sense for the Buccaneers to address their defensive needs.
Linebacker was one with Lavonte David getting older, another edge rusher, and possibly a corner were all thought of as "big" needs, but the franchise made a strength even stronger instead.
And for CBS Sports' Josh Edwards, he's named the Egbuka pick as the Buccaneers' most questionable selection.
"Each of the six players picked were taken in the expected range, so Egbuka is the most questionable because he is the least necessary in the short term," Edwards wrote. "Chris Godwin is returning from injury and Mike Evans is not getting any younger, so it was relatively easy to see their long-term plans with Egbuka.
"However, last year's draft pick, Jalen McMillan, did some good things for the organization and is now relegated to the fourth wide receiver when all are available. Egbuka is a good player but there were bigger needs to address."
Egbuka To Buccaneers By Tony Fisher
It is true that other needs had to be addressed, but the defense will be upgraded slightly by the other draft needs, plus Haason Reddick was signed in free agency. Maybe that was a reason Tampa felt it could go after Egbuka in the first round.
You can never have too many weapons, but with a handful of receivers at his disposal, Baker Mayfield will have a tough time getting all receivers adequate targets, given that you can only throw it a certain number of times a game. Irving and the rushing attack will also take some potential passing downs.
On face value, it is easy to say that the Egbuka pick was questionable given the defensive needs, but the Buccaneers clearly saw something in the Ohio State star to take him that high.
Yes, the Buccaneers will be able to put up points for fun in 2025, but they don't want to be involved in shootouts every week. So their defense has to improve, and in an ideal world, a first-round pick on, say, Jihaad Campbell, or Mike Green, could have tilted the scales in their favor, instead of Egbuka.
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With the Buccaneers' receiver room already teaming with talent in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, plus Cade Otton and running back Bucky Irving, who is also a pass-catcher, it made sense for the Buccaneers to address their defensive needs.
Linebacker was one with Lavonte David getting older, another edge rusher, and possibly a corner were all thought of as "big" needs, but the franchise made a strength even stronger instead.
And for CBS Sports' Josh Edwards, he's named the Egbuka pick as the Buccaneers' most questionable selection.
"Each of the six players picked were taken in the expected range, so Egbuka is the most questionable because he is the least necessary in the short term," Edwards wrote. "Chris Godwin is returning from injury and Mike Evans is not getting any younger, so it was relatively easy to see their long-term plans with Egbuka.
"However, last year's draft pick, Jalen McMillan, did some good things for the organization and is now relegated to the fourth wide receiver when all are available. Egbuka is a good player but there were bigger needs to address."
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Egbuka To Buccaneers By Tony Fisher
It is true that other needs had to be addressed, but the defense will be upgraded slightly by the other draft needs, plus Haason Reddick was signed in free agency. Maybe that was a reason Tampa felt it could go after Egbuka in the first round.
You can never have too many weapons, but with a handful of receivers at his disposal, Baker Mayfield will have a tough time getting all receivers adequate targets, given that you can only throw it a certain number of times a game. Irving and the rushing attack will also take some potential passing downs.
On face value, it is easy to say that the Egbuka pick was questionable given the defensive needs, but the Buccaneers clearly saw something in the Ohio State star to take him that high.
Yes, the Buccaneers will be able to put up points for fun in 2025, but they don't want to be involved in shootouts every week. So their defense has to improve, and in an ideal world, a first-round pick on, say, Jihaad Campbell, or Mike Green, could have tilted the scales in their favor, instead of Egbuka.
Related: Bucs Boldly Reveal Real Reason for Emeka Egbuka Pick
Related: Bucs Fans Have 1 Fear About Baker Mayfield and Overloaded Offense
Related: Bucs Fans Have 1 Fear About Baker Mayfield and Overloaded Offense
Continue reading...
