Ever since being chosen with the No. 15 total decide within the 2026 NFL Draft final month, Rueben Bain Jr.’s approval score amongst his new Bucs coaches and teammates has soared larger and better. However it’s not solely these inside the constructing who’ve raved in regards to the former Miami standout-turned-Buccaneer.
Loads of analysts inside the soccer media house have praised Bain, spoken of his potential in Tampa Bay and hit again on any questions concerning his arm size. Some extremely revered voices have spoken glowingly in regards to the Buccaneers’ new younger cross rusher over the past month or so.
Add former nationwide champion head coach Ed Orgeron to the record, too.
Former LSU HC Ed Orgeron – Photograph by: IMAGN Photos – Jerome Miron
Orgeron, who helped lead LSU to a 15-0 document and a nationwide championship in 2019, isn’t any stranger to defensive linemen. That’s the place his background is, having served as a line of defense coach throughout a number of stops in his teaching profession. That included a stretch at Miami from 1988-1992, the place he recruited and coached Bucs Ring of Honor member and Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Warren Sapp.
Now, Orgeron has twin sons, Cody and Parker, who’re on the Hurricanes teaching workers as nicely. So, he spent a while round that program final 12 months throughout its run to the Faculty Soccer Playoff. And due to that, he bought to see each edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor up shut.
In an look on Pardon My Take final week, the previous LSU head coach and now-LSU particular assistant to recruiting and protection was very complimentary of each gamers, saying they bought higher and higher because the season went on earlier than singling out Bain’s efficiency towards Ohio State through which he was credited with a sack and eight whole pressures.
Bucs edge Rueben Bain Jr. – Photograph by: Mikayla Oliveira – The College of Miami
“That’s what Mario [Cristobal] built that team around,” Orgeron mentioned. “Bain and Mesidor were phenomenal football players, (but) even better workers. Jason [Taylor] did a great job of coaching them. I thought they got better as the season went on. I thought in Bain’s Ohio State game, he started revving it up a little bit. Those guys took over in the playoffs. It was great to see, especially their pass rush ability. Unbelievable.”
Ed Orgeron Isn’t Frightened About Rueben Bain Jr.’s Arm Size
The one constant knock that’s used towards Rueben Bain Jr. is his arm size. That’s been nicely documented by now, hasn’t it? However what’s additionally been nicely documented is that the Buccaneers aren’t anxious about it. Bain merely wins off the sting in different methods. That exhibits up consistently on tape, and it’s why the arm size topic is extra of a debate than a transparent, one-sided downside.
Depend Ed Orgeron amongst those that doesn’t have any considerations in regards to the size of Rueben Bain Jr.’s arms. The truth is, when he was requested about it, he in contrast the discourse round it to the pre-draft discuss his former quarterback at LSU, Joe Burrow, and his hand measurement.
“Remember they told Joe Burrow his hands were too small? Y’all remember that? His hands were too small, right? I think that can be overstated,” Orgeron mentioned. “Sometimes it’s right, sometimes it’s wrong. With this guy [Bain], he’s a football player. He’s a baller. I don’t know why he dropped to Tampa Bay. I thought he was going to go top 10. But I thought Tampa Bay did a great job of drafting him. He’s in a great place. I think he’s going to have a great career.”
Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
The Buccaneers had been a lot shocked that Bain fell to them at No. 15, too, however they’re grateful he did.
By all accounts, Bain is off to a roaring begin in Tampa Bay. He was a show-stealer at rookie mini-camp. His reps through the workforce’s OTAs have already been turning heads. And shortly sufficient, it’ll be time for him to strap up the pads and get to work on his first NFL coaching camp.
