The selection of Rueben Bain Jr. is going to be looked back upon by analysts and teams alike in the years to come as one of the better values in recent memory. When the pick was announced, everyone couldn’t believe the Bucs would have a chance to solve their edge rushing issues with the top player at the position group.
Now that they get to enjoy the idea of Bain being a part of their defense, they also get to enjoy the idea of him being named the Defensive Rookie of the Year. FOX Sports’ Ben Arthur posted his projections for players from the rookie class and what they can win, which is where he included Bain’s win.
Arthur writes, “Bain may have slipped a bit in the first round, but as Tampa Bay’s pick at No. 15, he landed in a great situation with a defensive-minded head coach in Todd Bowles. The attention standout nose tackle Vita Vea draws from the interior offensive line could open up advantageous matchups on the edge for Bain.”
Arthur also projects the Bucs rookie to have 8 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, and 1 forced fumble. If that is the production the Bucs get out of a rookie in 2026, they would be over the moon.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Rueben Bain Jr. already being suggested for one award as a rookie
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
