Packers' Emeka Egbuka dreams go up in smoke thanks to a surprise rival

Oh, come on.
Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers v Detroit Lions | Nic Antaya/GettyImages

It's always the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just waiting to ruin the day. First, it was Scotty Miller. Then Baker Mayfield's perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field.

If that's not enough to make Green Bay Packers fans sick, in comes the latest sucker punch.

The Buccaneers — yes, the Buccaneers — have selected Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. You know, the same Buccaneers that already have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on their roster and have no room for a first-round wide receiver.

It's nothing new for Packers fans. The team passed on Jaxon Smith-Njigba two years ago and Cooper DeJean last spring — Brian Gutekunst rarely chooses the fans' biggest draft crush.

This time, though, it felt like there was a real chance he might.

Packers have to pivot to alternative options after Buccaneers steal Emeka Egbuka

Egbuka was supposed to be the Packers' savior. He is the most pro-ready wide receiver in the class and has everything the Packers look for: he is an elite athlete with the college production Green Bay covets. His route-running, willingness as a blocker, and proven production would've made him a game-changing addition to Matt LaFleur's offense.

But it's not to be.

The Tetairoa McMillan dream ended quickly, thanks to the Carolina Panthers at No. 8. Egbuka is the second wide receiver off the board.

The good news is that Green Bay has options.

Do they still consider ending their two-decade-long wide receiver drought in the first round? That's less likely but not impossible. They could target a pass-catcher in Round 2, with Iowa State's Jayden Higgins and Utah State's Jalen Royals among the top candidates.

But losing Egbuka hurts, especially to a former division rival that didn't need him. It's like the 2021 NFC Championship Game all over again.

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