PFF recently released its rankings of all 32 NFL receiving corps entering the 2026 season, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed at 17th. That puts the Bucs in the middle of the league, but considering the talent and potential in this room, it is fair to wonder whether Tampa Bay could ultimately finish much higher than PFF projects.
PFF’s biggest concern is the loss of Mike Evans. After Evans departed for San Francisco, the Buccaneers lost not only their longtime number one receiver but also one of the most dependable red zone and contested catch weapons in franchise history, and Pro Football Focus believes that absence creates a significant void.
Emeka Egbuka is the biggest reason for optimism as he enters 2026 with considerably more responsibility and should have every opportunity to establish himself as Tampa Bay’s next featured receiver after a rookie season that was robbed of 1,000 yards after Egbuka suffered a groin injury, Mayfield suffered multiple injuries, and the offensive line was makeshift for most of it. Chris Godwin Jr provides another important piece. While his 2025 season was limited to 360 yards and two touchdowns, he remains one of the most experienced players in the room and has reportedly looked strong during the offseason. Then there is Jalen McMillan, who has the opportunity to make a significant jump after an injury-shortened 2025 season. Tez Johnson adds another explosive element of short-area expertise while rookie Ted Hurst gives the group the size and speed it lacks in life after Mike Evans.
Tampa Bay has a group capable of developing into one of the league’s deeper receiving rooms while PFF’s ranking reflects what the Buccaneers have lost. It doesn’t necessarily account for what Egbuka, McMillan, Hurst, and the rest of the young receivers could become. The Bucs have questions, but they also have plenty of opportunity. If Egbuka takes the expected second-year leap, Godwin stays healthy, and McMillan finally puts everything together, Tampa Bay could soar into the top 10.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Where Does The Buccaneers’ Receiving Corps Really Rank?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
