Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Praises Rookie WR Emeka Egbuka's 'Ownership of the Offense'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Praises Rookie WR Emeka Egbuka’s ‘Ownership of the Offense’ originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, the players had a chance to answer questions from the media.

It’s the first time many of the players have had a chance to work out with the rookies and the newcomers to One Buc Place.

While it’s just one day, and chemistry and relationships still need to be manifested, quarterback Baker Mayfield says he’s impressed with first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka.

Mayfield was so impressed with Egbuka ahead of mandatory minicamp that he texted general manager Jason Licht to congratulate him on the pick.

He also spoke highly of Egbuka after Day 1 of Bucs’ mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

“At this point, it’s the physical tools, obviously, at this level, you have to have talent, and he has that, being a first-round draft pick,” Mayfield said via JP Peterson of Fan Stream Sports – Tampa Bay. “The thing that sticks out is how cerebral he is. He’s so smart. Right now, I think we could probably put him in any receiver spot. I think he understands the offense that well. He’s not a rookie; he doesn’t act like it, at least. It’s been really good to see him take that ownership; he takes it extremely serious.

He’s in constant communication. He always wants to be sure he’s in the right spot at the right time. … It’s a nice luxury to have.”

Egbuka could be thrust into a meaningful role in the offense sooner than expected if Chris Godwin hasn’t fully recovered from his gruesome ankle injury suffered in Week 10 last year against Baltimore.

Godwin looks like he won’t be ready to play the beginning of the year, and the combination of second-year wideout Jalen McMillan and Egbuka could help pick up the slack in his absence.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Praises Rookie WR Emeka Egbuka’s ‘Ownership of the Offense’

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