Baker Mayfield Talks New Toy: “He’s Just So Damn Smart”

July 23rd, 2025

Rookie first-round pick receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Joe has talked for months about how rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka may be the better than healing Chris Godwin for the entire 2025 campaign.

First, Egbuka has looked that good in early practices, but also, that’s what a percentage of first-round pick receivers do. They hit the ground flying as rookies.

Ebuka appears to be that guy, and Baker Mayfield told the world about him today on the New Heights podcast.

“Emeka Egbuka is an absolute stud. He’s the real deal,” Mayfield said.

The Bucs franchise QB was asked by co-host Jason Kelce to explain that take, and Mayfield didn’t hesitate.

“Ok, you know how you just can’t teach guys leaving the ground to catch the ball? It’s always grounded when [Egbuka] catches it,” Mayfield said. “He keeps moving. There’s YAC (yards-after-catch) potential out the wazoo there. But he’s just so damn smart. And he’s willing to block, willing to do everything we ask him to do. But then, I mean, we can plug-and-play him at any of the three receiver spots right now. It’s pretty exciting.”

Damn right, it’s exciting. Mike Evans is a true No. 1 receiver and Egbuka might already be, too. Bucs fans know all about what Chris Godwin can do, and he might be back to a stellar level late this season after his ankle heals.

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28 Responses to “Baker Mayfield Talks New Toy: “He’s Just So Damn Smart””

  1. Rover Says:

    Wow did we really make the right pick?? All signs say we did.!

  2. Steven #55 Says:

    I’m liking the sound of this – I know Joe isn’t a big fantasy football fan but I’m going to try and get EE in my leagues draft in the later rounds as I doubt my rivals will be paying attention to him

  3. Fred McNeil Says:

    Well, looks like we will need him early on.

  4. rrsrq Says:

    The chants in that stadium are gonna be bananas when they get a name for him. Right there with Bucky, because he will receive a nickname

  5. Aqualung Says:

    Well, we know we’re gonna need a lot of points to win games. Baker knows this. Griz knows this. Let’s go get some 40 burgers

  6. Jmarkbuc Says:

    Egg-y Egg-y!

  7. LakelandBuc Says:

    Egbuka will be a star this season

  8. LakelandBuc Says:

    Bucs Receivers had 27 drops last season

    Egbuka has hands like glue
    If we cut down on the drops and Turnovers

    We’re easily the NFL best offense

  9. SlyPirate Says:

    It’s a super fun interview. Baker fans should watch it.

  10. ballwasher61 Says:

    And I think of this pick vs others out there with his attitude, attention to detail, humility, etc. That draft reminded me of fantasy drafts when everyone else is drafting one spot, take the BPA when your turn comes cause he pays out.

  11. Baking with Grizz Says:

    Licht is doing so well. He will be inducted into the ring of honor before he retires. I’m with Joe. Licht’s statue by the stadium has to come soon!!!!

  12. Fred McNeil Says:

    I remember when it would sound like the crowd was booing, but they were actually saying Ruuuuud! I don’t know why. He would make good looking tackles, but 8 yards down field. Barrett Ruud. After we got rid of him I never heard of him again. Maybe I just didn’t care.

  13. Fred McNeil Says:

    Boo kah boo kah

  14. Fred McNeil Says:

    Hard name to make a good stadium chant out of.

  15. RiddlemyPeter Says:

    I am so hard

  16. GoneGator Says:

    Eee BOO kah 👍🏼

  17. 727Buc Says:

    Booh-Kah…..k.i.s.s.

  18. MadMax Says:

    Buka, buka, buka, buuuuuuuuuuu!!!!! Yep, thats it 😀

  19. Lefty Says:

    How are the Bucs comfortable having Trask as QB2 unproven untested in real NFL games? Granted if Baker goes out long term we’d be screwed, but a serviceable backup is so valuable to piece some wins together on a shorter term basis.

  20. Gipper Says:

    Everyone needs to settle down about the second best receiver on OSU’s 2024 team. I am sure he can play but he is one of many Bucs receivers. If he averages 4 catches a game, that will be a big surprise this year.

  21. View from 132 Says:

    Better than Godwin is getting way ahead of ourselves, isn’t it Joe? This kid looks the part, but he has 0 career catches. Godwin has proven it for years.

  22. Paratrooper Buc Says:

    I admire and like Godwin. I hope he can get back to full health but as someone with multiple knee surgeries, I’m skeptical after his additional surgery to clear scar tissue. Then how vague his return is because he won’t be 100%. Maybe 80-90% at best. Like his ACL, he will need a year to see how well it can take the strain. He may have to change his techniques as he may lose speed, agility, and stop/start ability, and change direction speed. I would prefer he come back as late as possible so he can be at his best even if it’s November/December.

  23. Just Visiting Says:

    If he’s the Eggman, who’s the Walrus?

  24. Paratrooper Buc Says:

    Sorry. Didn’t finish. I think we will be fine with Mike, Egbuka, McMillian and the rest until he returns.

  25. Jmarkbuc Says:

    I am the Walrus

    Duh.

  26. Buc1987 Says:

    RiddlemyPeter…your schtick about your penis is already old and stale.

  27. garro Says:

    The plug and play thing is amaxing for any rookie at any position. All three reciever spots? As a rookie? In a new offense? He was paying attention in those player only workouts me thinks!

    Go Bucs!

  28. Guzzie5 Says:

    I think the stadium would sound cool with fans screaming EEEEEEEEEEEE!

 

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