Buccaneers Draft Rueben Bain Jr. With the 15th Overall Pick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected Miami defensive end prospect Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bain contributed during all three of his collegiate seasons, totaling 33.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks by the end of his NCAA career. In 2025 alone, he racked up 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, all of which were career-high marks. He posted an elite 92.8 PFF grade during his final year at Miami, including a 78.9 tackling grade in the national championship against Indiana. Bain, who was the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, will offer the Bucs a key pass-rushing threat on the end of the defensive line. He projects to play opposite Calijah Kancey, who is averaging 6.7 sacks per 17-game pace throughout his NFL career.

Source: Ari Meirov