Check out the offensive rookies igniting the Buccaneers' future, from Egbuka's breakout season to Johnson's electrifying speed and Chukwuma's surprising protection.
With the 2026 NFL draft right around the corner, Roundtable will be highlighting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' best additions from last year's class, on both offense and defense.
In this "Best 3" starter pack are my rankings of Tampa Bay's offensive additions from last year's draft, including an undrafted free-agent pickup.
The rankings are based on Class of 2025 player's on-field production, pick value and projection going forward.
3. OT Benjamin Chukwuma (UFA)
Chukwuma played in five games for Tampa Bay last season, notching 151 offensive snaps. In his 89 pass-blocking reps, he allowed just six total pressures and one sack.
While his role was limited, Chukwuma showed promise, utilizing his 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame to protect the quarterback.
Chukwuma recorded a 62.5 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, which doesn't jump off the page, but ranks higher than established members of Tampa's offensive line, like Ben Bredeson (53.7) and former first-round pick Graham Barton (61).
With an All-Pro caliber player like Tristan Wirfs holding down one side of the offensive line, Chukwuma could be the developmental piece that ends up starting alongside Wirfs going forward.
2. WR Tez Johnson (7th Round)
Johnson ending up in Tampa was literally a dream come true for the speedy Oregon Ducks receiver, as his former college teammate Bucky Irving said on the "Up & Adams" podcast in May of last year.
"Tez used to always say when he would be watching my games or anything like that, he would say, 'Bro, I want to come down with you to Tampa.'
"Then it happened, so I guess he got what he wanted."
After just three targets and no receptions in the Bucs' first three games of the season, Johnson stepped into a larger role and made an instant impact.
Following his slow start, Johnson recorded five straight games with 40 or more receiving yards, adding four touchdowns during this span.
Against the New England Patriots, Johnson found the end zone twice, hauling in four catches for 42 yards.
Johnson's speed and deep-play ability can make him a key piece of Tampa's offensive personnel going forward, especially after the departure of Mike Evans.
1. WR Emeka Egbuka (1st Round)
Egbuka was not only the best rookie in Tampa Bay's class, but maybe had the best season of any 2025 draftee.
On Wednesday, Fox Sports ranked the best players from 2025 draft class, and Egbuka topped that list.
Following a national championship run with Ohio State, Egbuka was selected 19th overall, then led the Buccaneers in receptions (63) and yards (938), and finishing as a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Egbuka is a route-running specialist, using refined technique and footwork to gain advantages against defensive backs. He displayed this early in the season, stepping up during Evans' and Chris Godwin's absences.
In Week 5, against the Seattle Seahawks, Egbuka hauled in all seven of his targets, accumulating a career-high 163 yards and adding a touchdown. At this point, Evans was sidelined and Godwin was still getting back into playing shape, leaving Egbuka with a clear WR1 role.
His performance marked his second-consecutive 100-plus yard, one-TD outing, which earned the 6-foot-1 route technician Offensive Rookie of the Month honors for September.
Egbuka's rookie-year production and maturity make him a more than capable WR1 following Evans' departure.
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