The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were gifted a slam-dunk first-round pick after Miami edge defender Rueben Bain Jr. fell right into their laps.
His introductory press conference already made him an instant fan favorite, and now his emotional draft call with the Buccaneers is only deepening that connection.
"What are you doing the next 5-10 years?" 🥹
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 24, 2026
Rueben Bain Jr.'s Draft call is what it's all about. pic.twitter.com/TkWFpOKkpM
“What’re you doing the next 5–10 years?” asked Jason Licht.
“I’m a Buc!” Bain replied.
He immediately broke into tears, visibly emotional as his dream became reality.
“We can’t wait to get you up here. You’ll fit right in with these guys, man. Play just like you did in college and you’ll be just fine,” said Todd Bowles.
Licht, Bowles, and the rest of the draft room were visibly fired up by the end of the call. Licht even noted it was one of the most excited draft rooms he’s ever been part of, speaking volumes about how the organization feels about its newest addition.
The front office’s excitement is for good reason. Bain was just about unanimously viewed as a top-10 talent, and it felt like a pipe dream that he would still be available at No. 15.
There was clearly no hesitation on Tampa Bay's end, as they turned in their draft pick faster than any other team in the first round.
Bain has already won over the fanbase. From his confident draft interview, to his electric introductory press conference, to this emotional draft call, he’s made a flawless first impression — and he hasn’t even stepped on the field yet.
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