Bucs War Room Reacts To Selection Of Rueben Bain Jr.

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All throughout the pre-draft process and into the 2026 NFL Draft, no one believed Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. would fall out of the top 10, much less fall down to the Bucs at No. 15. But as it turned out, that’s exactly what happened. Tampa Bay made Bain its pick, and the war room at One Buc Place was predictably a happy place in the aftermath.

There were handshakes, hugs and huge smiles all around after the pick was sent in and announced, and it’s easy to see why.

Bain, a 21-year-old junior out of the University of Miami, has a quick get-off, violent approach and strong hands, as well as a pass rush arsenal that includes club, swim and swat techniques. His unique blend of power and bend makes for rare upside that a lot of other edge rushers in this year’s class lacked. In fact, Bain very well might’ve been the best of this year’s class and at the very least was right up there with Texas Tech’s David Bailey, the No. 2 overall pick Thursday night.

Miami Edge Rusher Rueben Bain Jr. Bucs

Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Jerome Miron

Despite his youth, Bain has played a lot of football. He was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes, playing 38 games and starting 36 on his way to 121 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 33.5 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three passes defensed and an interception.

“We think very highly of him, obviously,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht told the local media Thursday night. “I think he’s a great player. There were very few scenarios where we thought he’d be there, but there was scenarios. And we’re very excited. I’ve probably never seen a more excited draft room.”

Football World, Bucs Players React To Addition Of Rueben Bain Jr.

The Bucs weren’t the only ones surprised and thrilled that Rueben Bain Jr. was available to be selected with the No. 15 overall pick. Pewter Report never believed he would fall into Tampa Bay’s laps, and the football world didn’t either.

Others in the space focused on what a perfect fit Bain is for the Bucs defense.

And, of course, some Bucs players shared the team’s pick on their social media channels while some chimed in on their new teammate. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs shared a GIF of “The Dark Knight Rises” villain Bane:

Third-year safety Tykee Smith was quick and to the point:

A former Buccaneer and Super Bowl LV champion Carlton Davis III, Bain’s cousin, shared some support over on his Instagram as well:

Bain’s alma mater shared plenty to celebrate the former Miami Hurricane heading to Tampa Bay, too:

 

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