Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka was once a baseball star with Mariners connection
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have enhanced their wide receiver lineup by drafting Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State at the 19th overall pick, adding to an already strong group featuring Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan. Egbuka, while a standout player at Ohio State, was often overshadowed by teammates like Jeremiah Smith and Marvin Harrison Jr. This strategic move by the Buccaneers illustrates their offensive ambitions and their intent to surround quarterback Baker Mayfield with ample playmaking talent for both immediate impact and future success. Interestingly, Egbuka's athletic prowess extends beyond football, as he was once the National Pitch, Hit & Run Champion in the boys 7-8 division in 2011, where he threw a ceremonial first pitch to Felix Hernandez. This multifaceted background highlights his athletic versatility and potential as a significant contributor to the Buccaneers' offensive arsenal.
The Buccaneers selected Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State with the 19th overall pick in the NFL Draft, adding him to a wide receiver unit that includes seasoned players Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan.
During his time at Ohio State, Egbuka made a significant impact on the field, despite sharing the spotlight with prominent teammates such as Jeremiah Smith and Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Buccaneers' choice to draft Egbuka signifies their aggressive approach to building a dynamic offense, aiming to equip quarterback Baker Mayfield with a diverse array of targets.
Egbuka's athletic career is marked by his early achievements in baseball; in 2011, he was the National Pitch, Hit & Run Champion for his age group, showcasing his versatile talents by throwing a first pitch to Seattle Mariners' Felix Hernandez.
This blend of football and baseball prowess underscores Egbuka's adaptability and potential to excel at the professional level, making him a valuable asset for the Buccaneers as they look to strengthen their offensive capabilities.
The Buccaneers' investment in Egbuka reflects a commitment to both immediate enhancement of the team and a long-term strategy to remain competitive in the league.
Egbuka's diverse skill set and background in multiple sports highlight his potential to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL, aligning with the Buccaneers' vision for a potent offensive lineup.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added to an already-loaded wide receiver group by drafting Ohio State star Emeka Egbuka at No. 19 overall. Egbuka joins Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan in a crowded WR room.
Egbuka was a star at Ohio State, although he was second fiddle behind others such as Jeremiah Smith and Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Buccaneers' selection of Egbuka shows their aggressiveness on offense and their ability to add a plethora of weapons around Baker Mayfield while also building for the future.
And, in a cool edition of the "Did you know?" game, the Seattle Mariners dropped a neat tidbit about the new Tampa Bay weapon.
In 2011, Emeka was the National Pitch, Hit & Run Champion in the boys 7–8 year-old division and threw out a first pitch to Felix Hernandez.
Congrats to Washington’s own Emeka Egbuka, who was drafted by the @Buccaneers in this year’s NFL Draft!
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) April 25, 2025
In 2011, Emeka was the National Pitch, Hit & Run Champion in the boys 7–8 year-old division and threw out a first pitch to @RealKingFelix 👏 pic.twitter.com/X8oxln6OY7
So, 14 years ago, Egbuka won a contest and threw out the first pitch to King Felix. Now, he winds up as a national champion with Ohio State and a first-round NFL Draft choice.
MORE NFL DRAFT:
- Browns' Travis Hunter trade mistake could be a generational error
- Giants' Abdul Carter comparison to Micah Parsons makes sense for 3 reasons
- Panthers commit to Bryce Young with Tetairoa McMillan pick
- Browns draft Michigan star instead of Hunter
- Bears fail at Ashton Jeanty pursuit as Raiders draft next star RB
- Jets make unexciting pick at No. 7 instead of Tyler Warren