Rueben Bain Credits “Big Bro” Akheem Mesidor For Guidance
April 27th, 2026
A lot of Bucs would have been high-fiving on Thursday night if the Bucs drafted edge rusher Akheem Mesidor at No. 15 overall.
They didn’t.
Instead, the Bucs grabbed his University of Miami teammate, edge rusher Rueben Bain, a more highly-touted prospect.
Mesidor is 25 years old. Bain turns 22 in September.
Young Bain told the nation after being picked on Thursday that Mr. Mesidor is a reason he thrived in college was picked in the top half of Round 1.
“I’m just so happy for King, man, ’cause for me, that’s big bro,” Bain told SiriusXM NFL Radio. “He’s somebody that helped me blossom and I felt like flourish in the game of college football because he kind of led me in the right way. And to see us both go this high level in the first round, man, it’s a blessing. Because there’s a lot of people that want to be here [in the first round]. And we’re fortunate enough to do it on the same team at the same position.”
Mesidor was the next edge rusher selected in the draft, at No. 22 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Now Bucs fans will get to find out if they picked the right Miami edge rusher.
April 27th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
great teammate!!!!!
he’ll be a leader on and off the field for sure!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
April 27th, 2026 at 2:33 pm
Both very good players. I think we got the best one. And he is still growing and getting better
April 27th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
I predict he’ll get 8-9 sacks next year, but his presence will mean Yaya gets 10+
April 27th, 2026 at 3:12 pm
I don’t have any issues with taking B-Rex, it was the correct call long-term. But I do think in 2025 that Mesidor is going to have the better year, and probably was the immediate better fit as I think he would have started day 1. Not sure if B-Rex will do the same or if they bring him along a bit slower. Mesidor had a massive pass rush move set already developed, that’s why I think he plays sooner, but B-Rex I think will get there, although using more power.
April 27th, 2026 at 3:15 pm
From what I have heard/read, Bain has the higher ceiling and will be the better pick long term. Patience but either way our pass rush got MUCH better after this draft!!
April 27th, 2026 at 3:23 pm
So happy the Rams drafted that QB!
Bain falling to us was like Wirfs and Vea falling to us.
How in the world did so many teams miss on Wirfs and Vea!
We got them both outside of the top 10!
Which is absolutely insane!
They are truly generational athletes!
How could so many scouts miss them?
Hopefully Bain will become a Buc legend like Wirfs and Vea.
April 27th, 2026 at 3:50 pm
Try to swing a deal to get Mesidor to join his bro, Bain. Wouldn’t mind giving up Braswell, 2026 2nd round ILB pick, and maybe a 2nd-3rd rounder in 2027. It would be pretty great having both of these guys on the Dline.
April 27th, 2026 at 4:10 pm
I really really really hope Bain is a stud. But there’s a track record of busts when two first round picks come from the same defensive line. And I still have nightmares about Eric Curry.
April 27th, 2026 at 4:13 pm
Mesidor should send a thank card to Mesidor as well. Many if his sacks were Bain flushing the QB to his side. Bain was the guy teams game planned to stop and Mesidor played well and took full advantage.
I would have been happy with Mesidor, but im ecstatic we got Bain.
April 27th, 2026 at 4:16 pm
No truth alloed?
April 27th, 2026 at 4:20 pm
Ours is only 21, so yea we got the right one. Think Mesidor went 22nd overall, right where I would’ve felt better taking him rather than 15.
Bowles mentioned they thought at the 13th pick they had a chance at Bain, probably called around got enough feedback(could’ve been as little as an answered call/text) to know he wasn’t being picked and stood pat.
Difference between fielding a pop fly, and having to chase down a ground hit.
April 27th, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Happy to update Mesidor’s progress after games since he’s going to be playing right here in my backyard, but I’m stoked Bucs got Bain instead.
Last time I heard a Buc draftee that with that much determination and focus was Warren Sapp….and that turned out very well, so gotta love it!
April 27th, 2026 at 5:02 pm
I like how Bain is giving a shout-out to his Bro. Maybe the rest of the Bucs edge rushers can go workout this summer with Jason Taylor and Mesidor.
April 27th, 2026 at 5:08 pm
CalBucsFan Says:
April 27th, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Happy to update Mesidor’s progress after games since he’s going to be playing right here in my backyard, but I’m stoked Bucs got Bain instead.
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I said it on draft night, but Mesidor going to the Chargers… the player and fit, he just seems like he’ll be a double digit sack guy right out of the gates (I keep seeing 14 in my head, but that sounds crazy too high). Part of it is just the style of defense, but again, I think Mesidor is just ready to play right away and I assume Mack will be hurt enough to give Mesidor a good number of snaps.
In any case if Mesidor does look fantastic, and B-Rex has a more typical rookie year, everyone will yell bust – but I think B-Rex will be fine long-term and it wouldn’t shock me if Mesidor gets off to a hot start, that he’ll cool off pretty quickly. Think George Selvie in college.
But I could be totally off base as well – and this comment will likely age really poorly, totally a gut feeling projection, nothing else behind it right now.
April 27th, 2026 at 5:10 pm
Bwaaahahaha! How pathetic.
April 27th, 2026 at 5:27 pm
Bain was the alpha stud on that DLine. No question. He has the moves, the attitude, and the power we have sorely lacked.
Good for him giving props, but Bain is the guy.
April 27th, 2026 at 5:29 pm
HC Grover Says:
April 27th, 2026 at 5:10 pm
Bwaaahahaha! How pathetic.
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That is exactly how I feel – about every post you make.