First-round rookie impressing in Tampa
Baker Mayfield hopes the same positive thinking will work for receiver Chris Godwin, who is returning from a season-ending ankle injury that sent him to the physically unable to perform list to start camp. In the meantime, Mayfield has other goals to accomplish, including establishing a rapport with rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka.
Egbuka brings a prolific collegiate resume to the Buccaneers after logging 205 catches, 2,868 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns over four seasons with Ohio State.
His arrival, plus the return of Bucs legend Mike Evans and ascending second-year receiver Jalen McMillan, has Mayfield feeling confident the Bucs will be just fine.
“I think Mike is finally starting to get some recognition that he deserves. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” he said. “Chris Godwin is consistently an All-Pro. He just does everything the right way, just smart, smart guy. J-Mac came along last year and made some really explosive plays for us and grew up a lot. Building that consistency with you.
“Emeka Egbuka is an absolute stud. He’s like a young Chris Godwin. You can play him at any receiver spot. He’s going to know what to do. He’s going to do the dirty work for you. He also has the capability as a true franchise receiver. That’s a lot weapons, and we have all the guys that were thrown into the fire last year because of injuries. There’s a lot of experience, a lot of competition in that room.”
As coaches love to state, competition breeds success. Thanks to their depth, Tampa Bay’s explosive passing attack shouldn’t miss a beat in 2025, even if Godwin’s return takes longer than previously anticipated.