Likes Bucs’ rookie.

Some interesting analysis on the “Pat McAfee Show” on the Miami Mauler, Bucs rookie Rueben Bain.

Watching Bain, there is no question he belongs. Joe isn’t saying he’s a one-man gang out there, but Bain does not appear overmatched whatsoever.

Tuesday night at the Glazer Shed during the Bucs’ night practice, the move Bain put on veteran right tackle Luke Goedeke in pass blocking/rushing drills was absolutely beautiful.

That hasn’t been Bain’s only highlight. McAfee, through clips on Twitter, has seen enough of Bain to declare Bain won’t have much, if any, transition from college football stud to a top-shelf NFL player.

“Any time we see a rookie cook a little bit, just like yesterday when we saw [Sonny Styles] with the Commanders, just feel so confident and do it, and Caleb [Downs] like feel so confident. Anytime you see a rookie that natural, that comfortable at this stage of their career, it’s like OK, they’re gonna have a big [rookie year],” McAfee said.

“Let’s go ahead and put Bain down for potential defensive MVP, rookie defensive player of the year.”

McAfee’s cohost, former Colts defensive back Darius Butler agreed with McAfee. Butler is also impressed with Bain’s attitude. Butler said Bain’s aura and rizz remind him of his old teammate, defensive end Robert Mathis.

Butler said Bain is a different build than Mathis, but Bain has a similar attitude to Mathis, which Butler likes.

It sure would be nice to see Vita Vea and Bain on the field together for the Bucs. No idea if we ever will.

Rueben Bain is an ABSOLUTE DAWG #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/re4q3NCT5V

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 5, 2026