How Rueben Bain Changed Bucs’ Draft Plans
April 24th, 2026
Todd Bowles speaks today.
So Rueben Bain is in One Buc Palace along with his entourage/family. And there, Bucs coach Todd Bowles told the local pen and mic club how Bain changed the team’s draft plans.
Bowles said there were seven or eight players the Bucs thought never had a prayer of being on the board when they were on the clock at No. 15.
Bain was one of those players.
As a result, Bowles said the Bucs were zeroed in on one specific player they were somewhat confident would be available at No. 15. Bowles didn’t mention a name.
The Bucs noticed Bain was falling, but Bowles said he didn’t pay much attention. Bowles just didn’t believe Bain was a possibility without trading up.
When it got to No. 13, Bowles said, the tone in the Bucs war room began to change. Disbelief turned to, well, there’s a sliver of a chance.
Then there he was — still on the board. Bowles said the war room could not believe their good fortune. The team quickly forgot about their other target. It was all eyes on Bain.
Bowles added that the Bucs were determined to add physicality on defense this offseason and Bain perfectly fits that desire.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Sadiq
April 24th, 2026 at 4:40 pm
Ok – need some memory help here. Watching Bain on tape I see him lined up on the left side of the defensive line almost exclusively…so Bain vs the right OT. Didn’t Yaya say he prefers the right side of the defensive line when Reddick came on board last year…so Yaya vs the left OT? Marriage made in heaven?
April 24th, 2026 at 4:41 pm
Guess is they would have grabbed Mesidor.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:41 pm
If I was a betting man, I bet the Bucs were focusing on Akheem Mesidor as their #15 target.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:42 pm
The video of B-Rex ignoring that stupid draft mirror during the walk out, that sold me on him as much as anything. I like an angry, mean tempered guy with a chip on their shoulder, who has the production to back it up.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:43 pm
I been saying that for years
They need physical, tough players with a high motor
Players that actually want to play football
And the Bucs has been adding these players this off-season
I’m glad we got a young stud like Reuben Bain Jr
We’re going to continue bringing in young, tough, smart players tonight
April 24th, 2026 at 4:45 pm
Ain’t no stopping us now
April 24th, 2026 at 4:45 pm
It was Ioane (im pretty sure), then ravens grabbed him….so, it was a no brainer with Bain there.
Now another no brainer….Mcneil Warren!
because Jrod, Hill, Mcdonald, maybe Hunter are gone….and thats fine, we signed some guys, so we’ll hit ILB hard next year….all good 🙂
Box S/LB Warren should be there at 46 and who we need….then Trotter for the LB pick…go G after that.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:46 pm
I think they were going to trade down but couldn’t pass on him. I was hoping for a TE in the first three rounds but now I’m leaning ILB and CB for our next picks.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:47 pm
They will never tell but I agree with the others who responded prior – Mesidor.
I remember watching one of the College Football Playoff games, “Jonesing” for Bain to be a Buc and thinking NO WAY he would be available by the time Tampa would be on the clock.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Thanks Bowles for using the term physicality instead of violence.
It’s probably not a good idea to sell violence to the young kids these days. Some of them might take it seriously and act out.
April 24th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Thank God they didn’t get cute here and brought a Real Stud in to help that Putrid Pass Defense. Go BUCS!!
April 24th, 2026 at 4:52 pm
Eyes on Bo Jackson
April 24th, 2026 at 4:56 pm
Geez Bowles, I really do like you as a person and want to like you as a coach. I will do that if you put pride and ego aside for the team and overhaul the defensive staff and philosophy.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:00 pm
The football Gods smiled on us this first rd….so lets not expect it anymore….its nice if they do again but dont count on it.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:03 pm
I get the other player was Caleb Banks who went 18!
April 24th, 2026 at 5:05 pm
Our defense has a bunch of puppies it was nice to finally add a salty dog to our line-up.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:20 pm
So are the Raiders keeping Crosby? That doesn’t seem like it’s going to work out well for all involved.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:26 pm
Look at the pic of Bowzo Clown….Nope Bucs will lose NFC South.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:27 pm
I’d say Kyle Louis.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:28 pm
We all can hopieum that Bowles has an epiphany and realizes that his scheme is old and teams have him figured out. It is now blatantly obvious that Reuben Bain is not suited to dropping back into coverage nor is he suited to be a part time specialty player. It seems to me that his presence requires even demands a change in philosophy. Jason Taylor coached the tandem of Bain and Mesidor.
Does anyone on this site believe that Larry Foote a former ILB can achieve the same results with Bain and Diaby ? Bain is not a coaching project he’s a gladiator that will not like being restrained.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:36 pm
With new quality ILB help and additional CB and DL help the 3-4 defense can work. No need for exotic blitzes or weird coverages.
So wake up Bowles and stop being stubborn. Make the needed changes even if it pains you to do so. Put your loyalty to the team over your long time buddies. They’re grown men and you are as well.
April 24th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Bain came from a 4-3 and will have enough of an adjustment to the NFL. K.I.S.S.
April 24th, 2026 at 6:04 pm
But can he drop into coverage? Better get used to it
April 24th, 2026 at 7:17 pm
We don’t talk about it, but Barton looked good at LT. looked horrible at Center.
Our goal with the next 4 picks is considered to be DT, CB, Guard, and ILB.
Meybe we draft a center, and slide Barton to left Guard.
What do you think?
Soooo nice to be happy with our 1st pick. We have missed so many times lately.