Baker Mayfield Tells Jason, Travis Kelce How Rookie Emeka Egbuka Is An “Absolute Stud”

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has been impressed by the level of maturity rookie WR Emeka Egbuka has shown since joining the team.

Baker Mayfield Tells Jason, Travis Kelce How Rookie Emeka Egbuka Is An “Absolute Stud”

Baker Mayfield and Emeka Egbuka (Image via IMAGO)

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Those who viewed Emeka Egbuka as a luxury first-round pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to rethink their strategy because Baker Mayfield sees the rookie playing a big part in the offense. So, a word to the wise, don’t decide against drafting in a fantasy squad.

Mayfield’s special guest appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s ‘New Heights’ podcast contained several memorable moments. One of them, Mayfield, spent the time praising his new receiver.

It only took the Pro Bowler and former Heisman Trophy winner to figure out Egbuka’s capabilities as a playmaker. Mayfield claimed that Egbuka doesn’t act like a rookie. He plays the game like a seasoned veteran.

You know how you just can’t teach guys leaving the ground to catch the ball? It’s always grounded when [Emeka] catches it. He keeps moving. There’s YAC 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.

Baker Mayfield said

For a moment, it sounded as if Mayfield was talking about Garrett Wilson or Jaxson Smith-Njigba. All three come from the same Ohio State receiving pedigree. And if Egbuka is truly as Mayfield describes him to be, then there’s a big payday waiting for the 22-year-old like Wilson.

Emeka Egbuka is an absolute stud. He’s the real deal.

The Buccaneers used their 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay to select Egbuka.

Baker Mayfield praised Emeka Egbuka after day one of Buccaneers camp

The Buccaneers and the Pittsburgh Steelers waited until Thursday, July 24, to begin offseason training camp. Bucks beat writer Brianna Dix reported that head coach Todd Bowles set 7-on-7 drills to start things off on day one.

Baker Mayfield Tells Jason, Travis Kelce How Rookie Emeka Egbuka Is An "Absolute Stud"
Former Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver #2 Emeka Egbuka (Image via IMAGO)

Egbuka took reps with the first team in Mike Evans’ absence and impressed everyone with his skills.

You can put Emeka anywhere, and that really is the truth. It is fun to have a guy like that who is that intelligent and does not act like a rookie, his head is not spinning, and who is able to do it and handle it the right way, and it raises the standard for everybody else.

Baker Mayfield revealed after practice

Egbuka’s versatility will come in handy for new offensive coordinator Josh Gizzard. Evans may still be a top receiver, but he’s on the wrong side of 30 and only has one year left on his contract.

Even will undoubtedly take most of the snaps during the regular season as the X receiver, while Chris Godwin plays as Y. Egbuka can easily slot in the middle and deliver in post routes.

ClutchPoints ranked the Buccaneers’ receiver core as the best in the league, surpassing the Bears, Packers, and Bengals. They credited the Bucs’ top-ranked depth for this position.

Aside from Evans, Godwin, and Egbuka, Mayfield has the option to connect with Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard, and Trey Palmer. At tight end, the NFC South franchise has Cade Otton, Payne Durham, and Ko Kieft.

The Buccaneers start their 2025 NFL campaign by traveling to the nest of divisional rivals, the Atlanta Falcons. They will also face several .500 teams, including the Eagles, Bills, Rams, and Lions, before the postseason in January. Sharpe Football Analysis graded the strength of the Bucs’ 2025 schedule as the 10th strongest in the league.

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