By The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got the edge rusher that they so badly needed, selecting Rueben Bain Jr. out of Miami with the 15th selection in the NFL draft.
Bain Jr. was one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in college football last season and a one-person wrecking ball in the playoffs.
It was expected that Bane Jr. would be off the board by the time the Buccaneers picked at number 15, and most folks expected Tampa to select the other disruptive edge rusher from Miami, Akheem Mesidor.
In his college career, Bain Jr. had 121 tackles, including 33.5 tackles for loss. Bain also collected 20.5 sacks over three collegiate seasons.
His ability to win one-on-one matchups stood out on tape, and that trait alone likely elevated him on Tampa Bay’s draft board.
This selection fills a critical need for the Buccaneers. While the defense has remained competitive in recent years, the pass rush has lacked a consistent game-wrecking presence off the edge.
Bain Jr’s first-step explosiveness and natural leverage allow him to collapse the pocket, something Tampa Bay has struggled to do consistently against elite quarterbacks.
Bain Jr. can also line up in multiple spots along the defensive front, both as a traditional edge rusher and as an interior disruptor in certain packages. That flexibility fits well with the Buccaneers’ defensive philosophy, which values disguise and multiple fronts
Last season with the Hurricanes, he led the country with 83 quarterback pressures.
For a Tampa Bay team looking to reestablish a physical defensive identity, Bain Jr’s style of play aligns with that vision. He’s not just a situational pass rusher—he’s a tone-setter who can impact all three downs as he develops.
Buccaneers GM Jason Licht talked about the selection of Bain Jr. the first-team All-American from Miami. “We think very highly of him. We think he’s a great player. You know, there were very few scenarios where we thought he’d be there, and we’re very excited. I’ve probably never seen a more excited draft room.”
Licht continued to talk about explosiveness and athleticism. “He’s very unique, where he’s got a great blend of power and athleticism. He can bend. He’s got get-off. He’s very powerful. He’s got very explosive, not just athleticism, but powerful hands, powerful strength, and he plays very edgy. He plays with a chip on his shoulder.”
Bain Jr. is only 21 years old and has a huge upside. He felt relieved to be able to stay in Florida.
It’s such a relief, man. I was fortunate enough to get my name called, no matter where it was. Having my name called in the draft, it’s a dream come true. It’s a great feeling, and the cherry on top is staying in Florida. I have family members that stay in Tampa. One of my cousins (Carlton Davis) played for the Bucs. So, it’s going to be a familiar atmosphere for me, so I’m just excited and stoked to get there.”
Bain Jr. has a high motor, and there are many similarities to the way Warren Sapp played the game.
“I feel like my motor and my mindset are contagious,” Bain Jr. said. ”Because when people see me and how I play and how I care about the game of football, it kind of spreads off on other people. And actually, I have proof of that. That’s not just me talking. That’s from high school all the way up through college.”
With the drafting of Bain Jr. and the return of David Walker from an ACL injury, a few members of the defense will be on a short leash this summer.
The Buccaneers made a priority of focusing on defense, particularly the linebackers, this offseason.
Tampa signed linebackers Christian Rozeboom from Carolina, Alex Anzalone from Detroit, and Al-Quadin Muhammad from Detroit.
As a result of those signings, Chris Braswell, Markees Watts, and Deion Jones could all be looking for work come September once the final roster takes shape.
What does Bain Jr. want Tampa fans to think about him?
“That I love football,” he said. ”I love my teammates. If they’re not my teammates, I hate them. This is what I love to do. I’m a Buc.”
