Rueben Bain’s intense interview shows teams will regret draft snub
· Yahoo Sports
One of the bigger slides on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft came with former Miami edge rusher and new Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender, Rueben Bain.
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Widely viewed as a potential top-10 pick in this year’s draft, Bain ended up sliding to No. 15 to the Bucs, which could end up being great value.
One thing was very clear after he got picked: Bain was not happy about going as low as he did and he’s very intent on making teams pay.
That was very clear during Bain’s intense interview after he was picked that included very to-the-point answers about what he brings to the table.
“It’s my mentality, it’s what I can do,” Bain said when asked about how his versatility helps the Bucs. “It’s how I think about myself. I know I’m the best in the country. I’m gonna show it.”
When asked what gives him the confidence to prove doubters wrong, he reinforced his mentality and his ability to do anything he puts his mind to.
“My mentality, I’m telling you, I can do anything I put my mind to, because of my mindset” he said. “I know when I get at this next level, it’s on and poppin’.”
Even his walk off was intense. That was a man on fire.
You could even see the intensity and determination to prove teams wrong when he was sharing hugs upon having his name called.
Yeah, Rueben isn’t messing around.
Why did Rueben Bain slide?
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe biggest knock on Bain was his short arms, which come in at a shade under 31 inches.
That has led some experts to believe he could have issues dealing with NFL offensive linemen.
However, legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban doesn’t see that as being a problem after what he put on tape at Miami.
“I know everybody talks about [Rueben Bain Jr.’s] short arms, but I have yet to have seen anybody with a long enough arm to keep him from butting them in the throat,” Saban explained.
The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman is so high on Bain that he considers the former Hurricanes defender as the best defensive linemen the Bucs have had since Warren Sapp.
“Bain is the best defensive lineman Miami has had since Warren Sapp,” Feldman said, before noting that the Bucs got “great” value with their No. 15 pick.
Teams will regret passing on Rueben Bain
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The tape doesn’t lie, nor do the stats. Bain posted 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2025.
What Bain lacks in arm length he makes up for in power, and his interview shows just how intense he is, also.
With the Bucs, Bain will have the benefit of working with defensive guru and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, who will only further help Bain take his game to another level.
It might not be long before Bain makes NFL teams regret passing on him.