Anticipation for Rueben Bain Jr.'s rookie season continues to build.

Ever since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the former Miami Hurricane has been impressing everyone who has been watching him play.

His position coach, Larry Foote, has praised him for his football IQ and compared the rookie to former Pittsburgh Steelers great James Harrison. Head coach Todd Bowles also showered Bain's game with praise, calling the decision to draft him a "no-brainer."

"We couldn't be happier because of the mindset we're trying to change this year with the type of players we signed in free agency and the type of play that he does and the attitude he plays with and the force he plays with…It was really a no-brainer, and he fit everything we're trying to do and get back to from a mental physicality standpoint. His play shows that, and it was an easy decision," Bowles said soon after drafting Bain.

Now Bucs' general manager Jason Licht has added his thoughts on how the star rookie has looked so far, saying Bain "has been as advertised." Speaking with JP Peterson of FanStreamSports.com, Licht expressed how impressed he has been with Bain thus far.

“Rueben has been as advertised,” Licht said.

“He’s very powerful. You don’t really see all that without pads, just very athletic. The thing that stands out the most in this setting is just his professional approach, his will to be the best and his work ethic and all that. And it’s always great when your first pick has those qualities because it tends to bleed into your entire class.”

Licht is very happy with how Bain Jr. has looked so far and acknowledges that he hasn't been able to showcase all of his talents, yet. Contact is not permitted during OTA practices, something Tampa had to be reminded of by the NFL.

Once training camp begins and the pads come on, both Licht and Bowles believe that Bain will look even better. When the hitting starts, Bain's physicality, one of the top strengths of his game, will finally be on display for all.

It's clear that the Bucs are ecstatic with their first-round pick. Bain Jr. was one of the very best players in the entire draft, and his falling to pick 15 should end up being a cause of regret for many teams.

The more anyone from the Bucs' organization speaks about Bain, the more excitement grows for his rookie campaign. He is set to be one of the most vital pieces for Tampa's new-look defense. 

Todd Bowles is the perfect coach to get the most out of Bain, who looks to be the future of the Bucs' defense. 

Bain Jr. is only going to look better once training camp starts. Then everyone will get to see the rookie finally be unleashed.

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