Timely Respect For Rueben Bain
April 23rd, 2026
What a great story told tonight on SiriusXM NFL Radio the moment after the NFL announced the Bucs drafted University of Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain at No. 15 overall.
Former NFL player and current SiriusXM NFL Radio host Jacob Hester was lauding the Bucs pick of Bain and Hester noted how he covered the January college national championship game featuring Miami and Indiana University.
Immediately after the game, Hester said he interviewed Indiana center Pat Coogan.
Hester set the stage: “[Coogan] took this big deep breath. I said, ‘Relief?’ He goes, ‘Bain’s an animal.’ That’s what he said to me. They just won the National Championship game and he said, ‘Bain’s an animal’ was the first quote out of his mouth.”
Damn, how telling is that moment?
NFL Radio co-host Pat Kirwan, the former Bucs scout and Jets linebacker coach, and a current friend of Todd Bowles, then jumped in after Hester’s story and reflected on Bain in that national title game.
“And when you watch [Bain] play in that game, it’s nonstop,” Kirwan said. “He overcomes the arm thing with his leg power. He just neutralizes people. He’s got these blockers on his heels. And we have great respect for that fullback at Indiana, [Bain] blew him away with one hand.”
Welcome to Tampa, Rueben!
Flash poll posted at 11:20 p.m.
April 23rd, 2026 at 11:58 pm
Let’s play a few games before we anoint or defrock him.
April 23rd, 2026 at 11:58 pm
“He’s an absolute steal” The Atlantic.
April 24th, 2026 at 12:00 am
Straight Dawg. Best draft pick in forever. No brainer.
April 24th, 2026 at 12:00 am
Can’t believe there are folks who aren’t happy with this pick.
An absolute steal at 15 and fills a huge need.
April 24th, 2026 at 12:01 am
I love the idea of Bain and Yaya pressuring from the outside
And Vita, Kancey, pressuring from the Inside
April 24th, 2026 at 1:13 am
Can’t believe there are Bucs fans convinced he’s going to be great. Not since Selmon…..1976…..
April 24th, 2026 at 1:39 am
i didnt think he would make it past the cowboys and dolphins
April 24th, 2026 at 2:03 am
3.28 shut the curse word up man I don’t get it why come here to cry we just got a great player be happy your super depressing man I’m not trying to attack you man but wtf we get it Todd is not your cup of tea he will never get your respect and you hate the management right about now but damn do you ever just give credit and go on about your day
April 24th, 2026 at 2:15 am
So excited about this pick didn’t see it coming crazy
April 24th, 2026 at 2:19 am
Please, CB next!
April 24th, 2026 at 3:00 am
Great pick!!!!!
But can he cover? We’ll find out this fall.
April 24th, 2026 at 3:15 am
Ok – Now get me a linebacker ….
April 24th, 2026 at 3:28 am
I watched some film studies and highlights. He does have a motor. And, shorter arm and shorter stature seem to let him somewhat lock his harms and use his legs to jolt blockers. I do not recall him shutting down any screens?
He just is not the presence the Bucs badly need in the middle. Inside pressure beats outside pressure because it starts in the face of the QB.
With time bought by the Miami guys up front and in coverage, Bain’s relentless motor eventually let him get home. Right now, the Bucs are still thin on both the inside and in coverage – specially underneath and in the flats.
If the Bucs fill in the gaps, Bain should prove to be a good addition on the field.
If the Bucs don’t draft a linebacker who can cover the quick pass any better than KJ Britt and SVD, Bain may never have time to get a sack.
April 24th, 2026 at 3:44 am
Very Happy with this pick. Several very good LBs should still be on the board for us in round 2. GO BUCS!