Jan. 22, 2026, 3:13 p.m. ET
The rookie class from the 2025 NFL Draft proved to be an impactful one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. General manager Jason Licht had several hits, but no two were bigger than wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and cornerback Jacob Parrish. They had several key moments during the season in which the team had highs and lows, but they solidified themselves as building blocks for the roster.
As a result, the Pro Football Writers Association named them among their All-Rookie selections this week.
Emeka Egbuka recorded an impressive 63 receptions on 127 targets and racked up 938 receiving yards. He also added six touchdowns to his totals, including a game-winning one in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons on the road. He made his presence felt right away, and it looks like he can be the next leader of this receiving unit when Mike Evans retires.
The most important part of his rookie season, though, may have been his emergence as someone that quarterback Baker Mayfield.
On the side of Jacob Parrish, he emerged as one of the better cornerbacks of the entire rookie class throughout the year. He played both outside and in the nickel role, finding success in both. He totaled 50 tackles, seven passes defended, and two interceptions.
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