In a Thursday column on PewterReport.com, two Pewter Reporters will debate a Bucs matter with completely different viewpoints. Which Pewter Reporter wins the talk? You get to determine within the feedback part beneath.
This Week’s Subject: Which New Bucs Participant Will Have The Largest Influence This Season?
Level: I Love How RB Kenneth Gainwell Suits Into The Bucs’ Offense
By Matt Matera
Some folks shook their heads after they noticed that the Bucs signed Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year $14 million cope with $10 million assured, however they are going to be confirmed unsuitable quickly sufficient. Gainwell could not technically be the starter at operating again, however he’s going to be within the sport so much, get loads of snaps and made his presence felt in a number of areas.
Gainwell is a superb match for Tampa Bay’s run sport. He’s fast, has wonderful imaginative and prescient, and doesn’t hesitate when the opening is open. He can excel with hole blocking however can even open issues up with the Bucs utilizing extra zone beneath Zac Robinson to maintain the protection sincere. Gainwell understands the place to seek out the cutback lane and get the massive play.
Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Perhaps his largest influence will likely be via the passing sport. He’s an excellent go blocker and simply nearly as good as a go catcher. This will permit for Robinson to name extra Pony Packages with he and Bucky Irving on the sector on the similar time. Gainwell is a mismatch nightmare for opponents, and along with his play type just like Irving’s the offense gained’t miss a beat when he’s within the sport.
If Gainwell wants to begin as properly, that gained’t be an issue. He’s a group first man that simply needs to win, which is why he’ll foyer for snaps on particular groups, too. As a former Tremendous Bowl champion, Gainwell understands what must be executed to win video games. He’s blissful to hold the mantle, however is blissful to be a job participant as properly.
Bucs RB Kenneth Gainwell – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
With Tampa Bay seeking to get the bottom sport improved this season, Gainwell’s function will likely be expanded. He seemed incredible in mini-camp scoring a number of touchdowns for the Bucs on offense. It gained’t be a shock when that’s taking place throughout the common season.
Counterpoint: Rueben Bain Jr. Can Rework This Bucs Protection
By Bailey Adams
I used to be near choosing veteran inside linebacker Alex Anzalone right here as a result of I believe he’ll elevate that place group — and the Bucs protection — in an enormous approach this 12 months. However my thoughts retains going again to Tampa Bay’s first-round choose, Rueben Bain Jr., and my reasoning is two-pronged. I believe he’s the participant this Buccaneer protection has been needing in recent times.
For starters, there’s the go rusher and all-around participant that Bain is. The previous Miami Hurricane is a disruptive drive off the sting with elite speed-to-power and nice bend. Tampa Bay’s go rush has been missing in recent times, and Todd Bowles’ protection has paid for it. I believe Bain fills a lot of what this unit has wanted and hasn’t had since prime Shaq Barrett.
Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
The second a part of what provides Bain such a excessive ceiling by way of the influence he could make in 2026 is how a lot he’ll elevate these round him. We’ve talked a lot since April about how a lot of a drive multiplier the rookie might be, and we’ll start to see that quickly. I believe his presence off one edge will give Yaya Diaby the assistance he‘s been needing to actually hit that subsequent degree. With Bain within the fold, I believe Diaby crosses the double-digit sack threshold this 12 months.
Not solely will Bain assist Diaby by giving the Bucs one other risk off the sting, however he has a particular skill to get after the quarterback and flush him out of the pocket, creating sack alternatives for his teammates. Diaby will profit from that the best way Akheem Mesidor did when taking part in with Bain at Miami. It’s not simply Diaby who will profit both — it’s additionally the blokes on the inside like Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey.
Bucs OLB Rueben Bain Jr. – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Alongside those self same strains, the addition of Bain to the surface linebacker room creates depth that the Bucs haven’t had on the place in a while. He and Diaby ought to function the starters, making the likes of Al-Quadin Muhammad (11 sacks final 12 months) and David Walker two excellent depth items. It additionally presumably pushes Anthony Nelson right down to the No. 5 spot, and I’d say there’s an argument to be made that Nelson is the very best No. 5 exterior linebacker you’ll discover within the league.
For the participant he’s and for the best way he elevates gamers round him, I believe Bain is the clear alternative for the Bucs newcomer set to make the most important influence in 2026.
