Bucs Gameday

Buccaneers first-round draft pick already hanging out with new QB Baker Mayfield

It didn't take long for Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield to set up a meeting with his newest receiving weapon.
Collin Haalboom|
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka celebrates a first-down catch behind Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jalen McMurray.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka celebrates a first-down catch behind Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jalen McMurray. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay BuccaneersOhio State Buckeyes

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers used their first selection (19th overall) to select Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, there was a certain level of confusion — and even some disappointment —from segments of the fanbase.

READ MORE: Buccaneers' first round pick eager to learn from NFL's best: 'It's a blessing'

Of those who were critical of the pick (for the most part, anyway), it had nothing to do with Emeka Egbuka as a player. His talent, production, and character cannot be disputed. The criticism was rooted in the decision to select a wide receiver, a position that was already considered a major strength on the Bucs roster.

But you know who wasn't disappointed in that decision? Baker Mayfield.

On Saturday, just moments after the third and final day of the NFL Draft had begun, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers social media account shared a video of Emeka Egbuka discussing his post-draft experience so far, specifically all the different people who have reached out to him since Thursday night.

One of those individuals was Egbuka's new quarterback, Baker Mayfield.

"I've been talking with Baker over the past couple hours. We've been talking, getting to know each other, probably going to hit up his spot tomorrow, hang out a little bit and start that quarterback-wide receiver connection."

Since joining the Buccaneers two years ago, Baker Mayfield has proven through his words and actions that he is an exceptional leader and teammate. The fact that he has already reached out and connected with Tampa Bay's rookie receiver speaks volumes about Baker Mayfield and his willingness to embrace his teammates both on and off the field.

READ MORE: Buccaneers' Notre Dame draft pick eager to produce turnovers: 'It's in my DNA'

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

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More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Get to know Tampa Bay Buccaneers fourth-round pick David Walker

• WATCH: Highlights from Buccaneers' fourth-round pick EDGE David Walker

• National media grades Buccaneers' first-round selection of Ohio State WR

• Get to know Buccaneers third-round pick Jacob Parrish

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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