Emeka Egbuka Had Been Bucs’ Target For A Long Time
April 26th, 2025
Bucs sold in 2023.
It sure seems the Bucs had two extra-base hits on their first two 2025 draft picks when it comes to standup guys.
Joe got to meet first round pick Emeka Egbuka when he spent time in the One Buc Palace media workroom answering questions Friday. Very impressive and polished man, and that’s not factoring in his football.
Later, after the Bucs drafted Benjamin Morrison in the second round, he spoke to the local pen and mic club via Zoom. Well-spoken man. Generally, guys who are well spoken aren’t jackarses (though the Bucs got burned a few years ago on an offensive player the team since has referred to as “Eddie Haskel”).
Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht absolutely raved about Egbuka’s character Thursday and at Egbuka’s press conference Friday.
After the third round Friday night, Bucs vice president of player personnel Mike Biehl also raved about Egbuka and said the combination of talent and character was just too irresistible to pass up.
Biehl even said it didn’t matter what position Egbuka played, a guy that talented and that stand-up had to be selected and brought in the Bucs’ locker room. So Joe asked Biehl how long ago the team knew that Egbuka was their guy.
Joe mentioned to Biehl that it sounded as if this was a done deal long ago. In fact, Biehl said Egbuka was their guy dating back to 2023.
The Bucs thought Egbuka was entering the draft after the 2023 season and had already performed much of their heavy-lifting of research on him then.
And in 2024, Biehl said Egbuka did nothing but reinforce their belief he was the Bucs’ No. 1 target in this weekend’s draft. And No. 2 was far, far behind.
That’s how blown away and impressed the Bucs were.
So when Bucs coach Todd Bowles said back in March that the Bucs wouldn’t pass on a receiver they liked just because the defense may have a hole or two, Bowles knew at the time Licht and his staff had already made up their minds (with Bowles’ blessing) they were drafting Egbuka in the first round.
That’s how sold the Bucs were on Egbuka.
April 26th, 2025 at 12:35 am
Someday, when Joe writes his book, we’ll hear how Joe’s sniffer scented this one out. Spot on call from weeks ago. Very well done. A great pick in what will be considered a very weak draft.
April 26th, 2025 at 12:36 am
Can he play linebacker?
April 26th, 2025 at 12:40 am
CANT BELIEVE WE ARE SO SOLD ON BUILDING A TEAM AROUND BAKER MAYFIELD
NOBODY WANTED THIS GUY TWO SEASONS AGO
AFTER TWO SEASONS AND BACK TO BACK PLAYOFF TURNOVERS TO END THE SEASON
WHY ARE WE STILL CONVINCED HES OUR GUY?
THE INTERCEPTION VS THE LIONS
THE FUMBLE AGAINST THE COMMANDERS
JASON LIGHT IS LOSING HIS MIND.
FIRST HE THINKS SAQOUN BARKLEY ISNT WORTH A CONTRACT
NOW HE PASSES ON SANDERS 3 TIMES IN THE DRAFT?
CMON MAN
April 26th, 2025 at 12:40 am
Glad they did the research and got the man they wanted.
It’s an Offensive driven league now. With that said.
Evans has always had hamstring issues.
Godwin has had a couple major injuries.
Egbuka adds real quality to the room.
April 26th, 2025 at 12:46 am
Jarrett
Baker is 100x better then Sanders.
It’s also spelled Licht.
It’s an offensive driven league now. Glad we are stacked at WR now.
April 26th, 2025 at 12:48 am
Shouldn’t you stick to Subway commercials, and leave football to the grownups?
April 26th, 2025 at 12:48 am
Why are you screaming, retard? Unless you’re 85 years old, turn off the caps lock. Idiot. And stop with your stupid trolling. No One believes that’s even your opinion because it’s ridiculous.
April 26th, 2025 at 12:48 am
Lol, Algo bats me away like a Chrissy Simms pass every post and the Jarrett knucklehead does this in all caps.
Ok. Sure.
April 26th, 2025 at 12:49 am
“In fact, Biehl said Egbuka was their guy dating back to 2023.”
Any further details/sources on this?
April 26th, 2025 at 1:04 am
Jarrett is the source. He types incessantly like a madman in all caps, unmoderated, meanwhile solid citizens get Algo-delayed full glove cavity checks with every post.
Go Bucs.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:07 am
So you are saying Ira totally whiffed when he claimed that ‘Bowles will play a determining role in this year’s 1st round selection’ on multiple podcasts?
April 26th, 2025 at 1:07 am
I know Morrison has the talent to be good but with those hip problems that’s concerning. I would’ve passed & drafted another CB & Jacob Parrish is like 5’9. I know it’s more about height also but when you’ve got London in the division & now McMillan they’re both pretty tall. They need CBs around 6’0 at least. Just don’t understand why you’d draft another injured CB like that when the secondary has already been dealing with enough injuries. There were many other CBs out there to choose from without serious injuries like that.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:08 am
I don’t hate the pick, but Fansided (not allowed to link) called the EE pick the biggest mistake in the first round.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:10 am
@jarrett –
Mayfield: ~8500 yards, 69 TDs, and 67.5% completion over the past 2 seasons.
Hurts: ~6750 yards, 31 TDs, and 66.5% completion
Mahomes: ~8100 yards, 53 TDs, and 67% completion
Allen: ~8100 yards, 57 TDs, and 64% completion
Jackson: ~7800 yards, 65 TDs, and 66.5% completion
Just saying,
Oh, and for the Browns fans:
Watson: ~2300 yards, 12 TDs, and 62% completion…
April 26th, 2025 at 1:12 am
Saban- this guy is good if it turns out he can run…
April 26th, 2025 at 1:14 am
Way back in the early lost decade, the same pundits who gloss over Jason Licht’s drafts were calling Mark Dumdumnik the next greatest GM of the world. Instead, he was one of the worst GMs in the history of football.
Shows what fansided and Chrissy Simms know.
Those that do, do. Those that can’t, tard for a podcast.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:15 am
I am curious to find out who was the “Eddie Haskel” Joe is referring to. Obviously, it is someone who is no longer a Buc and it cannot be someone who was a known cancer such as Desean Jackson…… As far as the trolls all up in arms over the Bucs’ selections so far, well, let’s leave the talent evaluation to the experts. I would not be surprised if some of the trolling we have seen the past couple of days are merely Saint and ATL fans bitter about the way their drafts are going and the fact that the Bucs are still the team to beat in the division despite what Cameron Jordan says……
April 26th, 2025 at 1:17 am
LANShark, if you want a good laugh, Google the Ken Carman meltdown from the Monday after week 1 of last season when a caller compared Baker’s passer rating to Watson’s…..
April 26th, 2025 at 1:19 am
This is what you say about an ugly date when you’re spotted out with her by your friends.
Look, we know he’s great, but a pedestrian pick. Safe. A potential pro bowler when potential all pros, in positions of need, littered the board
April 26th, 2025 at 1:22 am
FortMyersDave:
YEAH, completely enjoyed that. I was a Browns fan for over 40 years… but I have 8 daughters and step-daughters – could not justify supporting the pervert.
So, yeah, I totally enjoy watching Baker embarrass the mistake by the lake.
As for Jarrett – if you look close at the two plays he is referencing – on the INT there were 2 Bucs within 3 yards of the ball…. someone ran the wrong route, likely pulling their db into position to make the INT. And JMac completely mis-timed his motion on the handoff – but Baker never throws his guys under the bus. As a football coach myself, I appreciate that quality of his very much.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:25 am
Wow, interesting. I look forward to the 3 wide receiver sets. EE sounds very worthy of this pick. No doubt in my mind we need 4 WR’s that are aall very good. So many injuries throughout the season.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:34 am
I cannot disagree with anything in this post. However, i can say there were injuries on both sides of the ball and the team improved in virtually every offensive statistical category, while the defensive production declined across the board. Excluding the typical coaching scapegoat excuses, this would imply greater offensive talent/depth already exist on the team.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:55 am
Thanks. But there was nothing to sniff out. Thought receiver might be an option for the Bucs. And when Bowles and Licht both said they wouldn’t pass up a good receiver, and Ronde Barber, Peter Schrager and Daniel Jeremiah all had the Bucs going receiver (and Joe knows exactly who those guys talk to at One Buc Palace), thought Egbuka was a good fit for being a Chris Godwin clone.
Not so much “sniffing out” but reading the tea leaves.
April 26th, 2025 at 2:12 am
Joe lets get an opinion from Sean Sullivan
April 26th, 2025 at 2:17 am
Egbuka was projected to go between 2-5 in the first round last year until he decided to stay at OSU. Most had him going 4th overall. This is a very good pick at 19. In fact it’s a steal at 19. This guy is the epitome of steady production . If Morrison stays healthy they got a steal in the second round too. If you saw his tape against Marvin Harris Jr you know what this guy is capable of . He is a shutdown one in one corner. This could turn out to be an excellent draft . Both are day one starters. Yes there is some questions of health and like my dear ole pop used to say about the word if (“yeah and IF a frog had wings it wouldn’t bumb it’s arse when it hops”).
Sometimes you just gotta roll the dice.
As always Go Bucs
April 26th, 2025 at 2:29 am
FtMyersDave
OJ Howard.
April 26th, 2025 at 2:34 am
INTERESTING…
Mike Biehl, VP of player personnel, said tonight at a press conference about the two corners we drafted that there are many pass rushers and LBs that they will be targeting tomorrow.
April 26th, 2025 at 3:02 am
Front office operates like the Navy SEALS or Delta Force…
April 26th, 2025 at 3:03 am
Sooo
Would love a Sanders vs Trask battle, Would be epic.
Have no problem whatsoever taking Sanders in the 4th or 5th
April 26th, 2025 at 3:04 am
Sanders to the future;
Watcha think gator Trask lol
April 26th, 2025 at 3:07 am
Then take Shilo in the 7th. Get Hunter down the line. And Prime can succeed Bowles.
Whatcha think Trask gator
April 26th, 2025 at 3:12 am
maybe we should call him “einstein egbuka”…
i think that’s what i might call him… 🙂
i could not believe what i was hearing at his first “home – post draft” interview with jenna and crew…
i was blown away…those are the perfect words to describe me listening to the kid talk sh!t…
but it wasn’t sh!t…!
it was borderline genius…!
April 26th, 2025 at 3:14 am
after hearing him talk, i realized if his talent turns out to be slightly sub par, his cerebral is just that high…that he will figure it all out…
so i knew right then, as crazy as drafting a wr in round one was…we got the right guy
April 26th, 2025 at 3:29 am
Haha Simeon, I don’t any of that will happen. 🙂
April 26th, 2025 at 4:30 am
Happy to get Emeka! Go Meka Go!
Eddie Haskel! Thank you for the laugh, needed it.
There are some other good players left. What about Que Robinson? Jack Sawyer?
Baker is our number one QB. He is doing a great job and we are so lucky to have him. Unfortunately, Trask is not our future after Baker. I don’t have a problem with the the Bucs drafting Sanders. Our coaches would do a good job with him and Baker would be a phenomenal mentor. Sanders does have talent. I actually thought he would go to the Raiders, Browns, Steelers, or Cowboys 1st or 2nd round. Feel bad for the kid. It’s not about his dad, car, or anything else. It’s about his strengths on the field. He might be immature, but remember Todd and Jason can work with that.
April 26th, 2025 at 4:45 am
I don’t know what Morrison’s hip surgeries were about, but a friend of mine had bilateral hip +replacements+ done at 35 yrs old and did the 28-mile swim around Manhattan about a year later. If Licht isn’t worried, neither am I.
April 26th, 2025 at 5:41 am
BucsBeast .. ‘It’s an offensive driven league now. Glad we are stacked at WR now.’
I’ve heard that constantly for years now. And yet … Our high-flying Bucs’ offense only scored 20 points in last season’s 23-20 loss to the Washington Commanders. Our offense had the ball for LESS than 25 minutes & ended with a TOTAL of only 44 plays in that ballgame.
Defense STILL wins championships. Washington’s #18-ranked defense gave up a few more points on the season than our #16-ranked defense did, but they rose to the occasion when it counted of that wildcard playoff game. And ours folded in the last 5 minutes … when it counted … and we got sent home.
Question is: Have we ‘fixed’ our defense enough to where we’ll be a Super Bowl contender this season? We might be stacked at WR BucsBeast, but they only catch 1 ball at a time. And only when it’s thrown to them. In today’s NFL, I contend that you NEED a Top-10 ranked offense AND defense the majority of the time to win the Super Bowl. That’s a form of TEAM BALANCE right there.
April 26th, 2025 at 6:03 am
I have to say I was very impressed with him based on what I heard in his two media availabilities.
And the tape certainly tells the story of what he can do on the field.
I have no doubt Emeka will be a great fit in our locker room and be an outstanding offensive weapon.
It just seemed shocking to me that with so many immediate needs on defense that we went WR in round 1.
April 26th, 2025 at 6:15 am
I agree with DR. Top 5 offense and bottom 5 defense. Most all the edge and DTs are gone. All that’s left are developmental back ups. I don’t understand why the Bucs think their D-Line doesn’t need improving. They almost drafted a DT #1 in the 2024 draft, but haven’t seen the need since. We didn’t pick up any great DT in FA.
Today the Bucs should get an ILB and S. There are still some good ones left and there will be a run on these positions today. Bassa from Oregon, Paul Jr from Ole Miss or Carter from Clemson at ILB and Reed from PSU or Mickens from Clemson at S.
April 26th, 2025 at 6:17 am
I’ve started the lust for the way too early 2026 Bucs draft needs
Edge
DT
April 26th, 2025 at 6:18 am
List
April 26th, 2025 at 6:22 am
Woke up this morning still scratching my head about our second pick. I think the kid probably has all the talent in the world. Great character and leadership qualities. My guess is he doesn’t make it half a season before he’s under the knife. Hope I’m wrong. And I do trust the organization. Heal up kid!
April 26th, 2025 at 6:31 am
Going to go out on a limb and say Trey Palmer is Eddie Haskel. Go watch his original draft interview.
April 26th, 2025 at 6:43 am
I’m liking the Ear pick just curious what everyone thinks about Hime McMillian feels about this draft. He’s fourth on the depth chart now?
April 26th, 2025 at 6:47 am
i’m underwhelmed by the 3 pics, hope Jason knows what he’s doing taking injured small guys
April 26th, 2025 at 6:55 am
I’m 45. I really wish I understood the Eddie Haskel take. Eddie Looks like s 12 year old white kid in black and white photo.
April 26th, 2025 at 7:02 am
Trey tickle toes Palmer= Eddie Haskell?
April 26th, 2025 at 7:08 am
Every couple of days …. here on Joebucsfan, I see a comment of how you win championships in the NFL. The truth is there is not one method. You don’t need an elite defense, an elite qb, elite pass rushers, a top running game, etc., etc.
I did not like the 1st pick when it was made but knew this draft only had a few guys that were 1st round talents. I seems like the Bucs took a receiver they think could not be replicated in later rounds or even next year. Then they took cornerbacks they felt were as good as any out there this year.
It seems the gripping is more then all the experts from last hating on Bucky Irving who said Bucs could not succeed on 3rd and 4th down without a big bruising running back.
April 26th, 2025 at 7:10 am
Trey Palmer is a pretty boy. He hasn’t gained 1 pound of muscle since he was drafted.
He hasn’t added any routes to his repertoire.
Every young receiver should follow the example of Julian Edelman.
Run routes and catch balls until you vomit.
Julian Edelman evolved after getting drafted. Ronde Barber evolved after getting drafted.
Tom Brady evolved after getting drafted.
Did Vea? Not really.
Did Gholston? Yes sir!
Did Mike Evans and Godwin? Yup.
Did Tyler Johnson take his first off-season easily? Yup. Did he evolve? Nope.
Palmer hasn’t gotten stronger or bigger. And he hasn’t added any routes to his route tree.
And he sucks as a punt returner.
Give me a PR who can break a tackle!
April 26th, 2025 at 7:11 am
Bucs beast
By what metric is Baker better ?
Sanders hasn’t even played a NFL snap yet
What has Baker done in this league besides choke in the playoffs
April 26th, 2025 at 7:20 am
Egbuka from the Bucks to the Bucs! You can’t go wrong drafting the number one WR in the Ohio State history considering that history…
April 26th, 2025 at 7:20 am
Jarrett: Baker is better by performance in college, which is, as you point out, the only metric available.
April 26th, 2025 at 7:25 am
Jarrett sounds like a non Fan who is a national social activist and trouble maker.
April 26th, 2025 at 7:25 am
What has BAKER done in this league besides choke in the playoffs
Sanders is way better than this guy STOP THE MADNESS
Jaylen Daniels surpassed Baker in his ROOKIE SEASON
There is no metric. it’s a matter of opinion
I see right through Baker cool guy but can’t win a Super Bowl
SANDERS was born for Football GLORY
April 26th, 2025 at 7:27 am
Wr and CB are deep all of a sudden. Now let’s go get some linemen.
April 26th, 2025 at 7:41 am
Jarrett ‘s opinion < my 1 yr old granddaughter.
April 26th, 2025 at 7:53 am
If Shadeur had the talent like some of you desperately and pathetically believe – he would’ve been drafted. Just waiting for some of you to cry racism. Even though, you know, it was a freaking black quarterback that was drafted number one. It never ends. You oppressed victims are so tiring and insufferable
April 26th, 2025 at 7:59 am
Geno… Bingo on Bucky
Sometimes I feel like the more criticism the draft picks get here within minutes/hours/days of them happening, the better I feel about how they may succeed in the future. LOL
There was a lot of griping on here about Bucky Irving last year, ends up being the third best running back in the NFL, second best in yards after contact. Players are ranked on the Bucs board where they are for a reason. Licht & Co are the pros, none of us are. They do real research, we just read websites. Some of the draftees that fans on here were pushing for the Bucs to pick will do nothing in the NFL. Just drafting defensive players because they’re ranked on other mock boards as one of the next best players, doesn’t mean those analysts are correct. Remember, many draft analysts said Josh Rosen was the most NFL ready of the four quarterbacks picked in the top 10 that year Baker went 1st.
Some will become solid players but all you can do is follow your process and go with your big board. It has worked the past 3 years. It’s what turns the 50-50 draft gamble to more like 70/30. Can’t hit them all. See how this team looks after a few camps. Pray nobody gets hurt through preseason.
Trust the process!
April 26th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Oh, and we’ve only drafted half the players so far. See how today goes.
April 26th, 2025 at 8:18 am
In response to Jarrett, Anyone who thinks that Sanders coming here is good really don’t understand Bucs football. This team is built on leaders on and off the field. Sanders doesn’t have that! 32 teams see that and have spoken loudly in 3 rounds of the draft, will he get drafted? maybe? I can also see him go undrafted after the weekend.
Baker came in here after a rollercoaster of a ride and found a place that wants him! Imagine what this team can accomplish if we have consistency at the OC position!
April 26th, 2025 at 8:26 am
I’d also like to know who Eddie Haskel is/was on the team.
Being one of the funnier characters on Leave it the Beaver, conniving rascal with a lot of the funny lines on the show, makes me think this would be funny to know.
I’m not ancient but I do remember watching the reruns when I was a kid. The Beave, not so funny. Wally was a complete dork.
Haskel was hilarious.
Sidebar…
Egbuka would be cool and unique on the back of a Bucs Jersey.
Irving would be a nice Jersey to get but I’d almost rather it just say “BUCKY” and nothing else. 😆
April 26th, 2025 at 8:28 am
Level1313… and a healthier team. We need some health luck in 2025. These injury seems so random.
April 26th, 2025 at 8:35 am
What Teacherman said–I believe this picks means Palmer is gone, ESP if we keep 5 WR’s again
April 26th, 2025 at 8:39 am
DR – “I contend that you NEED a Top-10 ranked offense AND defense the majority of the time to win the Super Bowl. That’s a form of TEAM BALANCE right there.”
Amen. I still like the pick… but Amen.
April 26th, 2025 at 8:39 am
Again with a troll inn a skirt, let her walk on by…
April 26th, 2025 at 8:57 am
I hate Ohio State but this photo made me miss the Tampa Bay Bandits. This kid would’ve lit it up playing for the Ol’ Ball Coach.
April 26th, 2025 at 9:17 am
Joe, for the sake of our culture here on this site, PLEASE BAN JARRETT THE OBVIOUS TROLL.
WHAT A TOOL.
April 26th, 2025 at 9:21 am
For the record, I would keep Sterling Shepard over Palmer if we only keep 5 WR.
But I’m sure we’ll prob keep 6 this year.
And Godwin will most-likely start the season on IR, that frees up another spot to start the season, so Palmer will get a chance to show improvement or not.
April 26th, 2025 at 9:30 am
Hmmm, my money is NOT on Antonio Brown being well spoken and an Eddie Haskell, wonder who it could be? I remember Dominick calling out Myron Lewis a few years ago but I don’t think he called him Eddie Haskell.
April 26th, 2025 at 9:36 am
32 teams passed three times on Sanders.
Occams razor would indicate the obvious, he’s just not all that talented. Holds the ball too long, arm strength just ok.. takes way too many sacks.
Acting like an azz certainly didn’t help his case. His father got away with it because he was that talented.
April 26th, 2025 at 10:11 am
Joe, Is Eddie H Jermey McNicklous?