Bucs coach Todd Bowles says rookie could 'absolutely' be team's No. 1 receiver

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have two accomplished NFL veterans slated to be part of their receiving corps in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

However, it's a rookie who could emerge as the best of the bunch, according to Bucs head coach Todd Bowles.

Speaking to Kay Adams on her FanDuel TV show, “Up and Adams,” was not shy about giving praise to a rookie receiver who has yet to take an NFL snap.

“The way he came in and his approach and how he grasps everything and runs the right routes and sticks his face in there to block and he’s been very professional in his technique,” Bowles said. “He does all the little things.”

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 6, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprised many when they took Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the No. 19 overall pick. He spent four years at Ohio State, mostly as a top receiver. He finished with 205 catches, nearly 2,900 yards, and 24 touchdowns.

The Buccaneers have spent resources in recent seasons to try to get younger and faster at the receiver position. General manager Jason Licht invested a third-round pick last year on former Washington receiver Jalen McMillan. The Bucs now have a deep and talented receiving corps with Evans, Godwin, McMillan—and now Egbuka.