Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently identified Rueben Bain Jr. as one of the six players most likely to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2026.
Bain was listed with +500 odds and was highlighted as one of the strongest candidates among this year’s rookie class.
According to Gagnon, there is an opportunity for Bain to make an immediate impact. With the brief Haason Reddick experiment in Tampa Bay coming to an end, Bain is expected to compete for a starting role opposite Yaya Diaby in Todd Bowles’ defense.
The article also noted that many evaluators viewed Bain as a top-10 talent in the 2026 draft class despite ultimately being selected 15th overall by the Buccaneers. His NFL-ready frame and ability to contribute as both a pass rusher and run defender were cited as reasons he could produce early in his career.
Gagnon also outlined some potential challenges Bain may face during his rookie season. While Tampa Bay’s pass-rush rotation should create opportunities for the former Miami standout, opposing offenses may devote additional attention to him if they view him as the defense’s primary edge threat. The article also mentioned concerns some scouts had during the draft process regarding Bain’s arm length.
Even with those questions, Bain’s path to playing time appears clear. Tampa Bay drafted him to help improve a pass rush that generated only 37 sacks during the 2025 season, and if he can quickly transition to the NFL game, he could find himself firmly in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation by the end of the season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bleacher Report tabs Rueben Bain Jr. as potential DROY
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