GM won’t rule out drafting wide receiver despite Emeka Egbuka breakout

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some interesting decisions to make in the 2026 NFL Draft. After missing the playoffs due to a late-season collapse, it’s clear that some big issues need to be addressed. Their defense, in particular, needs some work, with the front seven needing a boost of new talent.

However, if you ask GM Jason Licht, there’s another area of the team that they might bolster. Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka broke out early last season as a potential top wide receiver threat. Despite that, Licht isn’t closing the door on taking another flier at a wide receiver this year, citing the depth of this year’s WR class.

“We know the importance of that position, and this is a pretty good receiver group this year, and at some point, it wouldn’t be shocking if we did take a shot,” Licht said, per Scott Smith.

Egbuka was one of the early-season standouts for the Buccaneers last season. The 19th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ohio State wide receiver started out extremely strong for Tampa Bay. He had a total of 562 yards and five touchdowns through the first two months of the year, putting him on pace to have one of the best rookie wide receiver seasons in the league.

However, Egbuka’s performance took a dip in the later months. Part of it was due to an injury he suffered in the middle of the season. Despite his performance tapering off, Egbuka still finished the season with 63 catches (on 127 targets), 938 yards, and six touchdowns. He still figures to be a prominent part of the Buccaneers’ future.

That being said, the Buccaneers could use an extra pair of hands for their wide receiver room. Long-term veteran Mike Evans left the team this season. They still have Egbuka, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan as their wide receiver room. However, if one of the better wide receivers fall to them in the later rounds, then that should be a good reason for Licht to take another pass catcher for Baker Mayfield