Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka made his presence impossible to ignore during Thursday’s joint practice between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans. The former Ohio State star looked every bit like a future NFL standout, putting on a clinic in one-on-one matchups and team drills.
With several big plays and sharp routes, Egbuka proved that he’s not just adjusting to the pro level; he’s excelling.
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From the opening reps, Egbuka flashed the polish that made him a first-round pick. During 11-on-11 drills, he hauled in two impressive downfield catches, one on a deep sideline ball and another where he beat Titans cornerback Clarence Lewis with a clean release and effortless separation. He wasn’t done there. In red zone and one-on-one situations, Egbuka won all three of his matchups, leaving Titans defenders scrambling to recover as he showcased elite footwork, precise timing, and strong hands near the boundary.
The Buccaneers are currently without veteran receiver Chris Godwin Jr., who has not yet returned to practice. That’s opened the door for Egbuka to work with the first team, and he’s taken full advantage. Head coach Todd Bowles has praised the rookie throughout camp for his intelligence and advanced route-running, calling him “very smart” and “detail-oriented.” Thursday’s performance against an unfamiliar defense only added to the growing confidence surrounding the young receiver. If Egbuka continues at this pace, he could force his way into a starting role sooner than expected.
His ability to play both inside and outside gives Tampa Bay flexibility in how they deploy their receivers, especially with Godwin’s Week 1 status still uncertain.
The Buccaneers’ receiving corps is shaping up to be one of the deepest in the league, anchored by a rookie who doesn’t seem to know he’s a rookie. As the preseason continues to unfold, Emeka Egbuka is doing everything right to carve out a significant role in Tampa Bay’s offense.
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If Thursday’s dominance is any indication, the Buccaneers may have landed one of the steals of the draft.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Emeka Egbuka dominated in joint practices before matchup with Titans