Buccaneers fans react to surprising first-round selection in NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went against the grain of many who were attempting to pick for them with the 19th overall pick. Everyone believed that the Buccaneers would go defense in the first round, with the likes of Jihaad Campbell, Jahdae Barron and Donovan Ezeiruaku being mocked to them the most.

In a twist of fate, Jason Licht and the Bucs' brass decided to go offense despite many of those same guys, and more, still being on the board by drafting THE Ohio State University wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka celebrates with the trophy after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The fans likely would have loved for Jason Licht and the team to go defense with so many still available, but they ended up doing the opposite. Based off the fan reactions, things are still pretty split, as many are upset with the pick and others are coming around to what the possibilities can be with Egbuka teaming up with an already lethal Bucs' offense.

Awful. 29th ranked pass defense with need at LB too and we take a WR4…
— E5 (@E5_2DASUPERBOWL) April 25, 2025

WOW pic.twitter.com/wJoK0gxCUB
— Rhett Matthew (@Rhettakus) April 25, 2025

So, screw our defense I guess?
— Gator Crusader (@sonicspeed0705) April 25, 2025

Not thrilled at first but when you think about the limited targets baker had when Godwin and Evan’s were injured I get it. Evan’s only had a few solid seasons left. The Bucs saw he was still on the board and capitalized on it.
— Just Seam (@Just_seam) April 25, 2025

Shocking considering we aren’t WR needy. But the bright side we are DEEP at WR. Emeka is probably better than McMillan right now and McMillan is pretty damn good.
— Matt B (@burgner1_b) April 25, 2025

Great player. Draft is deep for corners, so I get it. There were lots of injuries last season
— Pam (@lilkasperss) April 25, 2025

While many still may be upset or confused, like those in Raymond James Stadium for the draft party when the selection is announced, you can see how great of a pick this could eventually end up being. Egbuka comes in as a poised player who is pro-ready. He will seemingly come in and fit in immediately and be able to learn from Mike Evans and Chris Godwin while supplanting himself as the next crop of Bucs' wide receivers next to Jalen McMillan.

With their offensive weapon now with the team, the Buccaneers can now focus on the defense, which is deep in this year's draft with many of those being mocked in the first to the Bucs still available.

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