Buccaneers Coach Predicts Rueben Bain Will Be a Star After Slide to No. 15
Coaches cite Bain’s explosiveness, leverage, and uncommon focus as reasons he could become Tampa Bay’s long-term pass‑rush solution.
Overview
- Tampa Bay selected Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and has positioned him as a first‑round addition to Todd Bowles’ defense.
- Outside linebackers coach Larry Foote publicly predicted Bain will be a star, praising his explosiveness, low‑centered leverage and film study habits.
- Foote compared Bain’s on‑field traits to power rushers he played with, saying Bain is hard to block and shows a rare daily focus in meetings and practice.
- Pre‑draft measurables and background reporting, including a reported 30 7/8‑inch arm length, helped Bain slide in the draft and remain a noted concern for evaluators.
- Analysts caution that Bain’s long‑term impact depends on his role, adaptation and opportunity while the Bucs hope his ceiling makes him a potential draft 'steal' who fills a multi‑year pass‑rush need.