2 winners (and one big loser) for Buccaneers after stunning Rueben Bain Jr. pick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers struck gold drafting Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 15 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Landing the steal of the draft is certainly going to benefit some within the organization, but it’s also going to turn the pressure up on others to step up or lose their spot on the roster. 

Winners and loser after Bucs draft Rueben Bain Jr. 

Winner: Todd Bowles

There is nobody happier with the Rueben Bain Jr. pick than Todd Bowles, as his defense relies on constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. 

The team hasn’t been able to generate pressure without relying on the blitz, but that sacrifices coverage.

Tampa Bay hasn’t had a player record double-digit sacks since all the way back in 2021 when Shaq Barrett did it. 

Bain provides an immediate boost to the front four, and the pass rush should be significantly improved with his presence. If Bain lives up to his potential, Bowles’ life as a defensive play caller just got a lot easier. 

Winner: Yaya Diaby

Yaya Diaby has been Tampa Bay’s best pass rusher in recent years. Since being drafted in 2023, he’s recorded 19 sacks and has led the team in sacks in two of his three seasons.

But Diaby hasn’t had the benefit of another capable pass rusher lined up on the other side of him, and he’s been tasked with carrying the pass rush efforts. 

With Bain in the picture, it should open up more opportunities for everyone along the defensive front, as Bain is highly disruptive and will draw a lot of attention from opposing offenses. He is also versatile and can line up in different spots along the defensive line.

Finally getting to play with a teammate as talented as Bain will make Diaby better, and make his life easier. 

Loser: Chris Braswell

Braswell is firmly on the hot seat after the team drafted Bain. 

Braswell was drafted in the second round two years ago, and he’s recorded only 2.5 sacks in his two seasons. To say he’s been a bust relative to his draft position would be an understatement. 

The team now has Bain and Diaby as the starters, signed Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, and is really high on last year’s fourth-round pick, David Walker. 

That’s four spots already cemented, and that’s without mentioning Anthony Nelson, who’s been a staple in Tampa Bay as a rotational depth piece. Braswell could have his work cut out for him in terms of making this roster, and if he does make the team, he likely won’t see much playing time as the team’s patience has worn thin quickly waiting for his development.

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