The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made one of the best picks of the 2026 NFL Draft when they selected Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick. Bain, widely viewed as the best pass rusher in this year's class, was expected to go much earlier. However, concerns over his arm length may have caused Bain to fall to the Bucs at 15.

So far, the reviews on Bain have been overwhelmingly positive. While highly touted for his ability to get to the quarterback, the rookie is also earning high praise for his football IQ.

Larry Foote, the Bucs Outside Linebackers Coach and Run Game Coordinator, has been impressed with Bain's mental preparation since February's Scouting Combine.

"He knew everything on the tape," said a delighted Foote. "He knew everybody's responsibility and he was just an above-the-neck guy and told you what the linebacker had and the guys on the inside, he knew the coverage and he remembered the plays. He got that high-def. It was very impressive and when he left, everybody stood up and just shook their head."

Coming from Foote, a 13-year NFL veteran who won two Super Bowls as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, that praise means something. Countless prospects have come into the league with plenty of talent, only to not reach their potential because they didn't put in enough mental preparation.

"He is explosive and plays with great leverage and it is hard to block those type of guys," Foote continued. "I am more impressed with his mindset. I kind of got a little feel for that when we interviewed him at the combine but these last few weeks, he has that Lavonte David-focus."

Bain being praised like this bodes incredibly well for his career. Everyone knows Bain has the pedigree and production to succeed in the NFL. Hearing him also be praised for his high football IQ should make Bucs' fans even more excited for Bain's career.

After his draft-night fall, the former Hurricane is coming into the NFL with a huge chip on his shoulder. If Bain's mental focus remains a top priority, expect him to become a perennial Pro-Bowler in Tampa. Eager to prove his doubters wrong, don't expect Bain to waver when it comes to the mental side of the game.

Bain is the future of Tampa's defense. So far, all indications point to that future being in good hands.

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