Buccaneers stick, select Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. in NFL Draft

Bucs snag hoped-for edge rusher Bain unexpectedly.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 241 min read

Tampa Bay BuccaneersNFL

Bucs snag hoped-for edge rusher Bain unexpectedly. Video

What happened: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, open to trading back from their draft slot, stayed put and selected Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. RapSheet reports the Bucs hoped Bain would fall to them but did not expect it to happen. The pick addresses a key defensive need.

Why it matters: Bain adds explosive pass-rush talent to a Bucs defense that allowed 24.2 points per game in 2025. Tampa Bay missed playoffs last season at 8-9; this bolsters their NFC South contention.

By the numbers: Draft: Round 1, Pick 19 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Player: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami - 6'3", 260 lbs 2025 stats: 12 sacks, 22 TFL, 45 tackles No major injury history; projected top-15 but slid due to depth at EDGE.

What to watch: Monitor Bucs' Round 2 pick for secondary help and rival reactions to remaining EDGE board.

Sources

@RapSheet Apr 23, 9:42 PM ET

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Buccaneers stick, select Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. in NFL Draft

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