In a Thursday column on PewterReport.com, two Pewter Reporters will debate a Bucs topic with different viewpoints. Which Pewter Reporter wins the debate? You get to decide in the comments section below.
This Week’s Topic: Which New Bucs Player Will Have The Biggest Impact This Season?
Point: I Love How RB Kenneth Gainwell Fits Into The Bucs’ Offense
By Matt Matera
Some people shook their heads when they saw that the Bucs signed Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year $14 million deal with $10 million guaranteed, but they will be proven wrong soon enough. Gainwell may not technically be the starter at running back, but he’s going to be in the game a lot, get plenty of snaps and made his presence felt in several areas.
Gainwell is a great fit for Tampa Bay’s run game. He’s quick, has excellent vision, and doesn’t hesitate when the hole is open. He can excel with gap blocking but can also open things up with the Bucs using more zone under Zac Robinson to keep the defense honest. Gainwell understands where to find the cutback lane and get the big play.
Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Maybe his biggest impact will be through the passing game. He’s a superb pass blocker and just as good as a pass catcher. This can allow for Robinson to call more Pony Packages with he and Bucky Irving on the field at the same time. Gainwell is a mismatch nightmare for opponents, and with his play style similar to Irving’s the offense won’t miss a beat when he’s in the game.
If Gainwell needs to start as well, that won’t be a problem. He’s a team first guy that just wants to win, which is why he will lobby for snaps on special teams, too. As a former Super Bowl champion, Gainwell understands what needs to be done to win games. He’s happy to carry the mantle, but is happy to be a role player as well.
Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
With Tampa Bay looking to get the ground game improved this season, Gainwell’s role will be expanded. He looked fantastic in mini-camp scoring several touchdowns for the Bucs on offense. It won’t be a surprise when that’s happening during the regular season.
Counterpoint: Rueben Bain Jr. Can Transform This Bucs Defense
By Bailey Adams
I was close to picking veteran inside linebacker Alex Anzalone here because I think he’ll elevate that position group — and the Bucs defense — in a big way this year. But my mind keeps going back to Tampa Bay’s first-round pick, Rueben Bain Jr., and my reasoning is two-pronged. I think he’s the player this Buccaneer defense has been needing in recent years.
For starters, there’s the pass rusher and all-around player that Bain is. The former Miami Hurricane is a disruptive force off the edge with elite speed-to-power and great bend. Tampa Bay’s pass rush has been lacking in recent years, and Todd Bowles’ defense has paid for it. I think Bain fills so much of what this unit has needed and hasn’t had since prime Shaq Barrett.
Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
The second part of what gives Bain such a high ceiling in terms of the impact he can make in 2026 is how much he’ll elevate those around him. We’ve talked so much since April about how much of a force multiplier the rookie can be, and we’ll begin to see that soon. I think his presence off one edge will give Yaya Diaby the help he‘s been needing to truly hit that next level. With Bain in the fold, I think Diaby crosses the double-digit sack threshold this year.
Not only will Bain help Diaby by giving the Bucs another threat off the edge, but he has a special ability to get after the quarterback and flush him out of the pocket, creating sack opportunities for his teammates. Diaby will benefit from that the way Akheem Mesidor did when playing with Bain at Miami. It’s not just Diaby who will benefit either — it’s also the guys on the interior like Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey.
Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Along those same lines, the addition of Bain to the outside linebacker room creates depth that the Bucs haven’t had at the position in some time. He and Diaby should serve as the starters, making the likes of Al-Quadin Muhammad (11 sacks last year) and David Walker two very good depth pieces. It also presumably pushes Anthony Nelson down to the No. 5 spot, and I’d say there’s an argument to be made that Nelson is the best No. 5 outside linebacker you’ll find in the league.
For the player he is and for the way he elevates players around him, I think Bain is the clear choice for the Bucs newcomer set to make the biggest impact in 2026.