Local star Rueben Bain Jr. lands with the Buccaneers, bringing family ties and elite pass-rushing talent to Tampa Bay.
Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. proved to be a dominant force at the line of scrimmage. As a junior, he was named a consensus First Team All-American after recording 54 total tackles, 30 solos and 24 assists, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 68 hurries, three hits, 83 total pressures, two passes defended, a forced fumble, a pass broken up, and a 12-yard interception against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Despite the production and projected to be a top-10 selection, the Miami native fell to No. 15 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There were short arm-length concerns following the Scouting Combine after measuring at 30 ⅞ inches, which is nearly three inches below the average for an NFL defensive end. Regardless of the situation, Bain Jr. felt “relieved” just to simply be selected.
“I was fortunate enough to get my name called tonight, no matter where it was,” he said. “Having my name called been a dream for the last 17 years. Actually, having seeing this and hearing it come true, it’s a great feeling. The cherry on top was staying in Florida. I have family members that stay in Tampa. I had former cousins that play for the Bucs, so it’s going to be a familiar atmosphere for me. I’m just excited and stoked to get there.”
Bain Jr. is related to current New England Patriots cornerback Carlton Davis III, who played six NFL seasons with the Buccaneers. He recorded 324 total tackles, 268 solos and 56 assists, 12 tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, three forced fumbles, 73 passes defended, nine interceptions for 70 yards in 76 games, including 75 starts. Davis III won a Super Bowl with the organization in 2021.
The newest member of the Buccaneers looks to deliver a significant impact with the pass-rushing unit. The team finished 37 sacks last season, tied for 10th-most in the league.
General manager Jason Licht mentioned there were very few scenarios where they envisioned Bain Jr. falling to 15, but acknowledged that there was still a possibility.
“We got our guy,” he said. “Time will tell. We think very highly of him. Obviously, 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.”
Bain Jr. has the opportunity to emerge as a bigger Florida star, especially having family ties to the Buccaneers.
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