Despite arm length concerns, the dominant edge rusher lands in Tampa Bay, ready to prove doubters wrong and wreak havoc on the NFL.
In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 15th pick. Despite all the rumors and narratives concerning arm length, the Miami native seeks to remain a dominant force at the highest level of football.
“My mentality is what I could do,” he said. “That’s how I think about myself. I know I’m the best in the country. I’m [going to] show it.”
As a junior, Bain Jr. emerged as one of the most elite players in the nation. In 897 total snaps, he recorded 54 total tackles, 30 solos and 24 assists, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 68 hurries, three hits, 83 pressures, two passes broken up, a forced fumble, a passes broken up, and a 12-yard interception in the home opener against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
According to multiple mock drafts, the Buccaneers were projected to select another Hurricanes edge rusher in Akheem Mesidor. However, a draft-day slippage allowed the Central Florida organization to select the consensus First Team All-American prospect.
Bain Jr. was expected to be selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, who owned the ninth pick entering Thursday night and hosted a top-30 visit. However, the Super Bowl dynasty franchise gave it up in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, along with other assets in this year’s draft, to select LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane at six.
There was an opportunity for the Miami Dolphins to select the homegrown star, but the local organization opted to swap spots in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys from 11 to 12, calling for Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Kaydn Proctor.
Bain Jr. will remain in the “Sunshine State,” but approximately 285 miles north of home.
Despite sliding down, there was always a possibility of the event occurring due to arm length concerns. The 21-year-old measured at 30 ⅞ inches, which is nearly three inches below average for an NFL defensive end. Regardless, Bain Jr. still proved to be productive and a dominant force against some of the best offensive lines in the nation.
The Buccaneers finished last season 19th in defensive rankings, despite tying for 10th with 38 total sacks. Bain Jr. will look to play a factor in the team’s pass-rushing unit and help them return to the playoffs.
After being passed on by several organizations, the former Hurricanes star will have opportunities to prove doubters wrong.
“My mentality, I’m telling y’all, I can do anything I put my mind to because of my mindset,” he added. “I know when I get at this next level, it’s on and popping.”
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