Rueben Bain Jr. is absolutely tearing it up in Bucs camp, so much so that people are already talking about him as the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year. This kid isn’t just showing flashes, he’s making a serious statement that’s got the league buzzing.
The Rams Fumbled, Big Time
Remember all that draft talk around the Los Angeles Rams? Speculation was huge that they’d grab receiver Makai Lemon, but they ended up going with Ty Simpson instead. But here’s the kicker, folks: the *real* question everyone should have asked was whether Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was the right choice they let slip away. Former Bucs head coach Jon Gruden isn’t holding back, showering Bain with high praise after a strong training camp. “If you like James Harrison, you’ll like this guy,” Gruden said, comparing Bain to a former Defensive Player of the Year.
Think about it: the Rams supposedly have one of the best defenses ever assembled after bringing in Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson this offseason, plus a potential Aaron Donald return. Imagine if L.A. general manager Les Snead had also stockpiled Bain in the draft. It sure would have softened the blow of losing Jared Verse in that trade for Garrett. Missing out on Bain, who’s getting daily praise, has to sting for the Rams right now.
Bain Is Proving Everyone Wrong
This dude was once considered the best non-quarterback in his class, even after dropping in the draft because of “short arms” and other nonsense. Bain put up 9.5 sacks for a Miami team that even reached the national championship game last year. Over three college seasons, he stacked up 20.5 sacks and a ridiculous 33.5 tackles for loss. That’s pure production, no matter what your arm length is!
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported this week that Bain has been “everything and more” at Bucs camp, and Marcus Stroud on the Pat McAfee Show said Bain is making starting tackle Luke Goedeke look like a “revolving door.” A rookie doing that to a starting tackle in camp? That’s just wild! Gruden himself called the draft criticisms about Bain “Arm length and stupidity,” flat out saying you’re stupid to think arm length matters. Bain’s work ethic is insane too, he’s staying in full pads for extra reps after practice ends. This kid isn’t just playing the part, he’s *living* it.
It’s clear Bain is out to prove everyone wrong, especially those who nitpicked his “arm length.” The Bucs look like they’ve got a game-changer on their hands, and every team who passed on him, especially the Rams, has to be kicking themselves right now. This kid is setting himself up for a massive rookie season, and the rest of the league needs to take notice.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
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