The Los Angeles Rams used the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL draft on a quarterback they hope will eventually succeed Matthew Stafford.
Two selections later, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed a rookie who already looks capable of helping them immediately.
That contrast has become more difficult to ignore as Rueben Bain Jr. continues to impress in Tampa Bay.
The former Miami pass rusher has generated strong reviews during training camp and drew a comparison to former NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison from Jon Gruden.
The early returns don’t settle whether the Rams made the wrong choice by taking Ty Simpson quite yet, though.
Bain Jr. Draws James Harrison Comparison
GettyPITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 30: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is introduced prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field on November 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Buccaneers selected Bain with the No. 15 pick after he completed a decorated final season at Miami. Bain earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors after producing 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 2025.
Tampa Bay believed Bain’s combination of power and explosiveness could upgrade a pass rush that finished with 37 sacks last season.
General manager Jason Licht said after the draft that the Buccaneers had expected Bain to be gone before their turn arrived.
Bain has done the opposite of lowering those expectations during camp.
The Buccaneers’ official website credited Bain with quick victories during one-on-one work, along with rare bend and the power to get into blockers’ chests.
Head coach Todd Bowles also praised Bain’s understanding of the defensive system and his ability to play quickly while processing a demanding role.
Gruden offered the most eye-catching assessment while visiting Tampa Bay’s practice Thursday.
“If you like James Harrison, you’ll like this guy,” Gruden said.
Gruden had previously predicted Bain could record double-digit sacks and described him as Tampa Bay’s version of a young Harrison.
Harrison became a two-time first-team All-Pro and recorded 16 sacks during his 2008 Defensive Player of the Year season.
Rams Accepted Long-Term Trade-Off With Ty Simpson
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Ty Simpson #15 of the Los Angeles Rams trains as teammate Matthew Stafford #9 watches during the Los Angeles Rams Training Camp at Loyola Marymount University on July 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Rams chose a different action at No. 13 taking Simpson.
He completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,567 yards and posted a 28-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio during his lone season as Alabama’s full-time starter.
Los Angeles viewed his placement behind Stafford and Sean McVay as an ideal development plan.
The quarterback said after the draft that he looked forward to learning from both.
And the plan has remained patient during Simpson’s first training camp. Stetson Bennett has handled the second-team work when Stafford practices and moved into the first-team role when the veteran sits.
Simpson has primarily operated as the third quarterback, though offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase has praised his willingness to ask questions and address areas needing improvement.
The Rams drafted Simpson for the seasons beyond Stafford, making it premature to judge the pick through a few weeks of camp.
Quarterback value could eventually dwarf anything Los Angeles passed up at another position.
Bain’s fast start still creates an comparison as he was available when the Rams came on the clock.
Simpson may spend most of the season developing away from the field.
Regardless, Los Angeles made its decision with the future in mind.
Rams’ Rueben Bain Jr. Decision Takes Blow After James Harrison Comparison