Getty

Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have landed the NFL draft’s best defensive player, and didn’t have to do anything but sit and wait.

The Buccaneers’ landing versatile defensive lineman Rueben Bain at No. 15 overall in the 1st round became 1 of the main talking points out of the 1st round, with Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski handing them an “A+” grade.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just made a statement,” Sobleski wrote. “The organization waded through all of the noise and landed an elite prospect. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. was an every-down disruptor the past season. His power to rock blockers is an absolute joy to watch. Then again, too many allowed one number to blur the evaluation.”

A pre-draft scandal preceded Bain’s drop out of the Top 10.

On April 12, reports surfaced that Bain was involved in a fatal car crash in 2024 in which he was cited for careless driving, and 1 of his passengers died 2 weeks later.

The Buccaneers’ defense, so sorely in need of a defensive star, now appears to have found 1.

“What are you doing the next 5-10 years?” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht asked Bain as he called to tell him he was going to be Tampa Bay’s pick.

“Bain was involved in a 2024 motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of a passenger,” ESPN’s Jenna Laine wrote. “He was cited for careless driving, but the charge was dismissed. There have been concerns about his shorter arms at 30⅞ inches and his speed, running a 4.69 40-yard dash at the combine. But the Bucs have a high-character locker room to absorb a player who might need support, and the team has always believed in tape over testing times.”

Overwhelming Response to Selecting Rueben Bain

Bleacher Report wasn’t the only outlet praising the Buccaneers for selecting Bain — the pick was met with what seemed like universal acclaim.

The Athletic gave the Buccaneers a solid “A” grade for the pick.

“Tampa Bay got a steal here,” The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman wrote. “Considered a top-10 talent, Bain fell to No. 15, where he aligned with the Buccaneers’ positional needs. Tampa Bay largely has journeymen at that position group, so Bain immediately gives the group a weapon. How much will Todd Bowles adjust his defense to accommodate Bain, who’s more of a 4-3 edge who can kick inside on passing downs? That remains to be seen. Bain (6-2 1/2, 263) was a destructive force on the national runner-up defense (9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss last season).”

Bain Sends Clear Message on NFL Expectations

Bain left little doubt on what his intentions were for playing on the next level.

“I know when I get on this next level, it’s on and poppin,” Bain said his 1st post-draft interview.

“Not in a million years did the Bucs think Rueben Bain was actually going to get to 15,” NFL draft expert Jon Ledyard wrote on X. “Got maybe the best pass rusher in the class without moving a spot.”

“A front-4 of David Walker, Rueben Bain, Calijah Kancey, and Vita Vea will look hilarious, but will not be funny whatsoever for opposing offensive linemen,” CBS Sports NFL reporter Mike Renner wrote on his official X account.