Tampa Bay’s work in the 2026 NFL Draft probably lands them somewhere in the B range, but the more interesting story comes from two picks that really shaped their weekend. Rueben Bain Jr. steps right into Todd Bowles’ defence as an immediate asset, while Jalon Daniels offers an intriguing, low-risk quarterback option with enough potential to be more than just a camp body.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th overall pick, and that choice could end up defining their draft class. They managed to find a high-level defensive player in a spot where those don’t usually drop.
Bain’s game is built around power, relentless effort, and positional versatility. His time at Miami saw him rack up 121 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, and 20.5 sacks — including a standout 2025 season with 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.
There are still questions about his size and reach. At just over 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 263 pounds with under-31-inch arms, he doesn’t fit the typical physical profile of a first-round edge rusher.
But that might have played into Tampa Bay’s hands at pick No. 15.. His college production suggested he could have gone earlier, and Todd Bowles’ scheme looks like a good fit for his skill set.
Bain’s role in Tampa Bay isn’t limited to a single fit, and that flexibility makes the pick feel even more sensible for Bowles.
He can line up as an outside linebacker, help set the edge, move inside on passing downs, and pressure guards from the interior. Bowles has highlighted how Bain’s game fits across multiple spots on the line, which suits a defence focused on movement and pressure disguises.
Tampa Bay needed more power opposite Yaya Diaby. They also needed someone versatile enough to play both against the run and on passing downs without forcing the defensive staff into predictable usage.
Bain meets those needs. He offers immediate value with potential for growth over time, and that kind of profile helps keep their draft grade above average.
Tampa Bay’s draft class also included Josiah Trotter, Ted Hurst, Keionte Scott, DeMonte Capehart, Billy Schrauth, and Bauer Sharp. There is some logic to how it all fits together.
Trotter adds a physical presence at linebacker following Lavonte David’s departure. The main question is coverage ability. The Bucs need someone who can hit downhill, but today’s linebackers must handle space and cover running backs and tight ends.
Hurst brings more size to the receiver group after Mike Evans left. At 6-foot-4 with good vertical ability, he offers Baker Mayfield a different type of option alongside Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan.
Scott could see time at nickel corner. Capehart adds depth to the defensive line. Schrauth gives the team another guard option. Sharp is a developmental tight end taken late in the draft — though depth behind Cade Otton still feels thin.
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