“He’s Like Chris”
August 5th, 2025
“No Mr. Glazer, I’m not using JoeBucsFan.com for draft advice.”
Let the record show that Feb. 26, 2025, as Joe was typing from the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis at the combine, is the first JoeBucsFan.com reference to then-Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka.
The man who would become No. 19 overall pick by the Bucs was on Joe’s radar way before then as Egbuka was a stud receiver for the Buckeyes for years. And Ohio State was always on TV.
At the combine, Joe didn’t like the vibe from Bucs types the way they were so guarded about Chris Godwin’s rehab. Joe typed that maybe the Bucs were looking at life after Godwin. So Joe typed that Egbuka was as close to Godwin as any receiver in the draft. Regular readers know Joe has referred to Egbuka dozens of times as a “Chris Godwin clone.”
Egbuka still reminds Joe of Godwin after seeing him many times since the draft, except he’s a little bigger than Godwin.
Here is an excerpt from Joe’s first mention of Egbuka.
This Egbuka is a Godwin clone.
Anyone who has watched the Buckeyes the past two years has seen that. Egbuka is reliable; he loves to block in the run game and he’s tough as hell. Just like Godwin is.
(No, Joe cannot claim to be sure the Bucs would draft a receiver at No. 19. But Joe did like the idea of the Bucs, if they drafted a receiver, targeting Egbuka.)
Joe brings all this up because the Bucs published their latest in-house production, “In the Current.”. The episode specifically focuses on the 2025 draft, in particular the lead-up and how the Bucs chose their picks.
Many of the Bucs’ personnel shot-callers, including AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, all compared Egbuka to Godwin. Again, this was recorded in pre-draft meetings and at the combine.
Personnel execs Mike Biehl, Tony Harding and Byron Kiefer can all be seen and heard comparing Egbuka to Godwin.
The first reference to Godwin in the video is a draft-meeting scene discussing potential picks. Licht is at the end of a long table, leaning far back in his chair, watching tape of Egbuka. And as if he’s mumbling to himself, Licht says, “He’s like Chris.”
Joe just thinks it’s cool that several Bucs’ personnel folks saw the same thing Joe saw in Egbuka.
August 5th, 2025 at 12:56 am
Perhaps Licht and gang read JBF–why wouldn’t they? It is easy to find on the web. It is entertaining and informative. I wonder if thats how they clued in to Egbuka. I remember multiple time Egbuka was mentioned on JBF. Actually didn’t they (Licht and Bowles) say something about having eyes on him for the last 2 years–which would mean they have been on this dawg for longer than JBF Lee. Either way, JBF was the first site to talk about the similarity to CG14.
August 5th, 2025 at 3:32 am
Good call but Wasn’t Godwin his most common NFL comp in all the predraft scouting reports? I suppose a few said Njigba or Amon-Ra but CG was the best comp. I thought the pick was an easy one. I figured he’d be gone by 19 and they’d have to choose between Golden and one of the defensive players.
August 5th, 2025 at 4:00 am
Lets hope that Egbuka is different this way.
Chris’s body has betrayed him in multiple seasons.
Chris is a stud, plain and simple.
Again his body just has not fared well.
Hopefully Egbuka’s body is able to hold up to the rigors and the weekly beatings that take place for 17 games and then more in the post season.
GO BUCS!!!!!
August 5th, 2025 at 5:45 am
Doesn’t matter WHO you are, your knees and ankles only bend certain directions
August 5th, 2025 at 5:48 am
Licht and crew definitely read JBF. I’d also be willing to bet good money that there are a few regular posters here who’s comments they specifically look for as well.
Joe, this is at least the second time now that I can remember you calling the “unexpected” first round pick spot on, the first being Davin Joseph a long time ago. You’ve gotten much more correct than just those two, but with both of them, I thought you might have had a few too many Big Storms before typing. Props for always keeping us informed!
August 5th, 2025 at 5:56 am
man, both times CG got hurt I felt like he was targeted
that New Orleans tackle that blew his acl was gross and payback for the Bucs taking out Jameis for the season, we lost so many players in that same game
then against the Ravens that was so a hip drop tackle that turned his ankle inside out… Not CG’s fault but he needs to be careful he was on his way to an insane year, imagine if he was not hurt, he could’ve had 1000yds and 15td’s
August 5th, 2025 at 6:17 am
I was leaning toward Pass rush till i realized that we had only a shot at a very low character guy and some maybe types. ILB was a crap shoot so Egbuka was a pleasant surprise for this fan.
Realizing that Evans and Godwin were both closer to retirement than most realized, and how hard it is to find guys who may be able to replace them. I got no Problem with Buka.
Go Bucs!
August 5th, 2025 at 6:23 am
Rather prescient of you Jose.
August 5th, 2025 at 6:49 am
About CG’s body betraying him…His major injuries were due to dirty hits. I hope he can recover from this one. As a side note…I support a rule that penalizes the offender with time away from the game equal to that of the one he injured. Dirty play has to stop.
August 5th, 2025 at 8:33 am
time away will not prevent dirty hits. Money will, make the fines much larger and watch the dirty hits go away.
August 5th, 2025 at 10:03 am
You go Joe! You go Joe! (In the voice of Gene Deckerhoff)
Next mission – fix the pass defense!
August 5th, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Made a similar statement watching my Buckeyes mid-season. Just marveled at how smooth he was for the entire season and when we needed him, he ALWAYS delivered. If it’s true that he looks like “veteran Godwin, not rookie Godwin” – then he can do a bit more than Godwin, there is absolutely some upside.
Can’t wait to see him this season!
Let’s GO!
August 5th, 2025 at 8:54 pm
You know Joe, since he’s been listening to us the past 5 years or so, This group of us, the drafts have been hitting. I think only JTS was the one big miss. I didnt promote him but I did push for Hall and Braswell, and they had me worried but thins are turning, (plus quite a few others that have worked out). Its good to have a community like this where everyone can share ideas and strategies. It doesnt hurt…. especially if its been working. I think thats the key. He likes to hear all sides that he can before making that final decision. I really like how I called for us to go after Brady, then Baker, then offer him a contract of 99.999999 mil. and then looky looky lol.
We’ll get back to a Super Bowl….I feel it.
August 5th, 2025 at 9:18 pm
BucYou:
Thank you for the kind words. The one draft prediction Joe is most proud of is banging the drum for Lavonte David.
Joe first wrote about David in December 2011.
August 6th, 2025 at 9:29 am
Another gem. Just imagine if we went Luke R1 and David R2 there.
I think we have the future at WR secured. Go Bucs!