Emeka Egbuka flashed again for the Buccaneers in Week 2 of the preseason, pulling in a one-handed touchdown against Brandin Echols and drawing praise for his polish. His lone reception underscored high-end ability, even as he played a limited role. Tampa Bay is expected to lean on him early, especially with Chris Godwin Jr. nursing an ankle injury from 2024 and Jalen McMillan on injured reserve.

PFF’s Dalton Wasserman highlighted Egbuka’s high-end potential, noting a seam-to-corner threat and a play where a pass sailed out of bounds, suggesting the rookie could contribute quickly in the Buccaneers’ passing game. While he may not be the top target right away, his poise and route sense hint at a rapid path to meaningful snaps in a QB-friendly system.

With the Bridgewater-led offense showing steady competence and Brandin Echols locking down opposing receivers in the preseason, Tampa Bay’s receiving corps could feature Egbuka prominently sooner than later. Fantasy managers should monitor Godwin’s health and the rookie’s continued usage as Week 1 approaches, as the slate could tilt toward a more defined pass-catching role earlier than expected.

Overall, Egbuka’s Week 2 performance reinforces a tantalizing upside for dynasty formats and a cautious DFS/season-long bet for 2024 fantasy rosters, especially in deeper leagues that prize rookie opportunity and pass-game involvement.

The Steelers and Buccaneers staged a joint practice ahead of a weekend preseason game, and Brandin Echols gave a rare, direct read on how the defense started—flat and short on energy, with a clear plan to come out stronger. The candid assessment underscores the Steelers’ emphasis on energy and cohesion as they gauge depth for the coming season.

From a fantasy lens, the message is a reminder to monitor how Pittsburgh’s secondary and front seven respond in upcoming preseason action. If the defense answers the call with improved tempo and communication, the Steelers’ defensive options could stabilize, while any uptick in offensive efficiency from TB could shift game scripts in the shortest weeks of the preseason.

Pittsburgh’s defense enters a window of heightened expectation. Mike Tomlin’s bold optimism underscores a unit rebuilt to stop the run and sharpen back-end communication after a troublesome finish to 2024. The influx includes Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Juan Thornhill, Chuck Clark and Brandin Echols, joining a defensive core led by T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward with Patrick Queen in the mix. Ramsey’s role as a multifaceted striker at free safety has already yielded an early highlight, and Metcalf’s praise of the defense adds a level of respect from a firsthand rival. Aging stars on the Steelers, including Heyward at 36, add a caveat about longevity, even as Harmon, Black and Sawyer push to prove themselves. Tomlin’s history of dominant defenses, from his Buccaneers stint to Pittsburgh’s early-season excellence, provides a blueprint, but skepticism remains about the 30-plus group’s ability to sustain a historic run. The potential payoff is a defense that could redefine Pittsburgh’s ceiling, possibly even sparking a long-awaited playoff breakthrough if the scheme and communication click under pressure.

Pittsburgh’s No. 26 jersey has a new face in Brandin Echols, who signed a two-year deal in March and is making a strong case during camp and the Jaguars preseason, potentially locking in a prominent role for 2025. The countdown to Jets at MetLife frames Echols’ ascent as part of a longer No. 26 lineage in Pittsburgh.

No. 26 history on the Steelers includes Donte Jackson (2024), Anthony McFarland Jr. (2020-2023), Mark Barron (2019), and Le’Veon Bell (2013-2017). Rod Woodson stands out as the franchise’s best to wear 26, with a Hall of Fame résumé that mirrors the jersey’s legacy: ballhawk playmaking, multiple Pro Bowls, Defensive POY, and elevated status in Steelers lore.

The piece also situates this year’s No. 26 in the Jets game narrative, noting the crosshair on the defense as Pittsburgh looks to leverage Echols’ camp credibility and the No. 26 banner’s weight in a 2025 campaign that could hinge on secondary depth and big-play moments from the cornerback spot.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered their cornerback corps significantly this offseason, bringing in renowned talents Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay to support sophomore Joey Porter Jr. This influx of talent has put newcomer Brandin Echols in a precarious position, as the competition intensifies for a starting role.

Head coach Mike Tomlin's strategy appears clear: enhance the secondary's performance by securing elite players, thereby leaving Echols's prospects uncertain given the established prowess of his new teammates. The Steelers are clearly aiming for a stronger defensive lineup, raising the stakes for all involved.