When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shocked fans by selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick, it sparked a flood of questions about Chris Godwin’s recovery from his serious ankle injury.

Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle in a tough matchup against the Ravens last season, sidelining him for the remainder of the year. Despite this setback, the Buccaneers made a bold move in March, re-signing Godwin to a lucrative three-year, $66 million contract.

General Manager Jason Licht was quick to clarify that the team's decision to draft Egbuka is not connected to Godwin's physical rehab. "Chris is still on track; we’re still shooting for Week One with him," Licht stated confidently. "This decision had nothing to do with Chris’s injury rehab; it was all about Egbuka’s immense talent and our belief that he could elevate our team."

Licht went on to emphasize that the choice to grab Egbuka was strategic, designed to address the potential for injuries that impacted the team last year, particularly with both Godwin and star receiver Mike Evans missing time due to injuries.

With Egbuka now joining a roster that includes Evans and Godwin, plus Jalen McMillan, the Buccaneers are not only planning for the future but also ensuring they have enough firepower for the present. Licht stressed, "We felt this was a pick for the future but also for the present. Adding another great receiver is essential for our offensive strategy."

He concluded with enthusiasm, noting, "It’s exciting to add him to the mix. We have elite players in Chris and Mike, and new talents like J-Mac and Egbuka for both the present and future. A strong offense will undeniably support our defense, and scoring points is our ultimate goal!"