Emeka Egbuka,”Perfectionist” And Historian

April 27th, 2025

Joe has thoroughly enjoyed listening to a slew of old interviews with new Bucs rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka.

The young man’s football passion comes through and he’s well spoken, smart and confident without a bunch of clichés and cockiness.

Fun listen, an upgrade from last year’s first-round pick in the interview department.

Speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio two months ago, Egbuka talked about the working relationship he built with Ohio State offensive coordinator/receiver coach Brian Hartline. He’s a two-time, 1,000-yard receiver in the NFL.

“No matter which way you draw it up, I’m not trying to hear, ‘Good job,’ Egbuka said of how he likes to be coached.

“I’m not trying to hear none of that. I always go up to him after the meetings if he didn’t have anything for me to get better at. I’m like, ‘Ok, what did you see that practice that [I can I can improve].’ He’s a perfectionist through and through like I am, so we were always working on how to get better at the game.”

Egbuka went on to explain that he doesn’t compare himself to any NFL player: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” And he noted how he fell in love with the art of route running many years ago and he’s studied many, many players on YouTube.

Without being prompted, SiriusXM NFL Radio host Solomon Wilcots, the 1980s NFL defensive back, talked about how before the interview Egbuka impressed him with his knowledge of NFL history and former players.

Egbuka confessed to being a huge fan and a student of the game. “I’m a football geek,” he said.

15 Responses to “Emeka Egbuka,”Perfectionist” And Historian”

  1. Kenton Smith Says:

    I heard him talking in an interview and when asked which receivers he likes, or watches, he said he can learn from any receiver whether he’s a superstar or not. Wisdom beyond his years.

  2. Mac Says:

    Love this pick. I think Tampa got themselves a future great! What a great time to be a Buccaneer fan!

    Also wanted to thank the Joe(s) for their awesome coverage as always all weekend long. You guys are awesome!!!!

  3. It's Corn Says:

    He could be great, but I’m not going to get too excited because somebody makes a great interview. We’re not looking for a motivational speaker.

  4. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Outstanding pick….And, I actually think Todd wanted him also….

  5. Buccos Says:

    We may have another future HOF’r here. I believe Godwin could have been one too if not for the injuries

  6. Durango 95 Says:

    Very interesting. Good stuff, Joe. He really is a reflection of the type of players that the team seeks to add. Great job by JL and no doubt CTB as well. I’m always interested in listening to the draft picks in an interview situation after they get drafted and even before that. I believe you can get a pretty good insight into a man based on the way he responds to questions about himself and his experiences. It has always been something that I relied upon and has served me quite well through the years. Although, no doubt, it is never foolproof.

  7. Buckeyebuc Says:

    I’m an OSU alum from Tampa. This kid is a great player and person. I love this pick!

  8. SlyPirate Says:

    UDFA – Desmond Watson, DT, 6’5, 464 LBS

    464 POUNDS!!!!!!

    He an Vea are the anti-tushpush

  9. SlyPirate Says:

    I can’t get over this. Desmond Watson is 120 pounds heavier than Vea.

  10. Knothead71 Says:

    @SlyPirate
    I was really hoping the Bucs would pick Watson up.
    I heard an interview and some quotes from him and I think the kid needs some help. I would be shocked if he ever plays a down in an NFL game but I’m so dang proud of the Bucs front office for giving this kid a chance.
    Stuff like this is why I’ll be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer fan for life. GO BUCS!

  11. Ancient Says:

    Careful not to be a schill gang. In a couple short days since round one, sure seems like an entity might be on the take at OBP with all the ra-ra stuff pumped out about a certain average first round pick.

  12. Todd Bowls Says:

    Bucs need to hire Suh and get him to put Watson on the same program that Suh laid out for Vea last year. Suh would be a great motivational speaker/coach to put some dawg into the Bucs defense. I’d love to see the Bucs get him into training camp.

  13. garro Says:

    Somehow I don’t think he will run the wrong route more than once. Studied Godwin? Smart kid!

    Wonder how Grizz is gonna incorporate his skills? Ought to be fun to watch.

    Go Bucs!

  14. garro Says:

    Note to Watson. So many have eaten their way out of the league. Get proactive and get after losing the weight son! You have God given size and talent. Do not let the groceries win.

    Go Bucs!

  15. Bring back the lawn chairs Says:

    Can you imagine losing a hundie to get down to three fidy? 😂

 

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