The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were shocked when Rueben Bain Jr. was still there for the taking at No. 15 overall.
It was a no-brainer for Jason Licht, who has been searching far and wide for a pass rusher to help Tampa Bay finally get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Selecting Bain has been viewed universally by NFL media as one of the best picks of the first round, and the Buccaneers are getting their flowers as one of the unquestioned winners of Day 1.
Buccaneers landed the biggest steal of the first round in Rueben Bain Jr.
Pro Football Focus graded every single pick made on Thursday, and only two teams earned “elite” grades — the Buccaneers and Bears.
“The Buccaneers stayed at their original draft slot and were able to pick up a player at a position of need and a premium position who led all FBS edge rushers in total pressures and PFF Wins Above Average. Bain was likely still available because of his limited length, but his tape — including against high-level opponents on big stages — indicates he should have come off the board earlier,” wrote PFF draft analyst Ben Linsey.
Bain is coming off a career year where he recorded 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, along with a forced fumble and an interception.
He could be the missing piece to a defensive front that features Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Yaya Diaby, and the Bucs defense is ready to take a huge step forward next season.
With just one move, the Bucs’ front four has gone from their weakest link to a formidable unit that is already striking fear in opponents.
The Bucs might have “won the draft”, earning high praise and A+ grades from just about every outlet, but all of that is meaningless until Bain goes out and proves himself at the NFL level.
Luckily he comes across as a player determined to prove the organization right for picking him. In his pre-draft press conference, he sounded ready to suit up in red and pewter right then and there and start wreaking havoc on opposing offenses!
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