Rookie Receivers Making A Difference
November 15th, 2025
Flippin’ good.
Depending how Tez Johnson continues to progress, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht sure hit the Mega Millions with these two rookie wide receivers.
There’s not much to say about Emeka Egbuka. He is simply sensational.
Had the Bucs not drafted Egbuka, in the immortal words of Gunnery Sgt. Hartman, the Bucs would be in a world of sh!t. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan missing most of the season with injuries, Joe cannot imagine where the Bucs would be without Egbuka.
Joe has a hunch the Bucs’ division title streak would be over this season had Licht not pulled a “Millen.”
(That has to be one of the all-time uneducated, worst takes.)
The surprise here is the steady development of seventh-round draft pick Tez Johnson. Initially thought to be a return man, by necessity, Johnson has been pressed into duty on offense. And he sure hasn’t embarrassed himself.
Last week in a loss to the Patriots, Johnson had a pair of touchdown catches. Of the rookie receivers this season, Johnson is tied for third in touchdown catches with four.
Johnson is also tied for third for rookie receivers in average yards per catch at 13.4 yards.
With YAC, Johnson is fifth for rookie receivers, averaging 4.6 yards a catch.
If Johnson continues to improve, who knows? Maybe he will be a full-time starter next year, even with Godwin and McMillan healthy.
