Rueben Bain Jr. is still a week from hitting the field for the first time as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Despite that, he’s already opened the eyes of his new teammates.
In an interview with Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” on FanDuel TV this week, Buccaneers linebacker YaYa Diaby raved about the rookie pass rusher.
“Just by the look in his eyes — he’s hungry,” Diaby said. “And he got that mad, mad, mad look like he’s ready to get after it.”
Diaby specifically referred to the viral moment following the Buccaneers’ selection where Bain angrily snatched his hat, bypassing to stop in front of the mirror where new draft picks posed before greeting NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on stage.
“As you can see, from the walk that he had, he picked up the hat and just went right to the stage,” Diaby continued. “So, you could tell how hungry he is, how ready he is. Honestly, the whole pass rush, the whole edge class, he was the best in my eyes. I’m just so happy to have him part of this team.”
Bain is Big Addition to Bucs’ Defense
Bain’s addition immediately improves a pass rush that struggled to bring down quarterbacks in 2025. Thirteen teams had fewer than Tampa Bay’s 37 sacks.
Bain, who had 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss for national runner-up Miami, was the third edge rusher taken at No. 15 by the Buccaneers.
“He’ll be a difference-maker,” Diaby said.
Bain played everywhere along the defensive line for Mario Cristobal, helping Miami build one of the best defenses in college football. The Hurricanes made their first national title game since 2002, falling to unbeaten Indiana.
“He can play everywhere, man,” Cristobal said, via the Tampa Bay Times. “You should see him drop into coverage and catch passes. My only regret is that I didn’t put him in at the goal line as a tight end or fullback, because he’s a bludgeoning instrument. I mean, despite all those creative pass rush moves, he goes right through people.”
Diaby Hopes to Stay With Bucs Long-Term
Tampa Bay ranked 19th in total defense last season, allowing an average of 337.2 yards. To improve on that, defensive-minded head coach Todd Bowles brought in not only Bain but also veteran defensive tackle Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Diaby, who had a team-high seven sacks, suspects that things will get better. The former third-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
“I’m excited, I can’t even lie. This is where I want to be, especially the team that drafted you,” he said. “It’s nothing but good; I love the fans, I love the coaches, I love my teammates, first and foremost. I love going to battle with them every single day.”
Buccaneers’ YaYa Diaby Sounds Off on First Meeting With Rueben Bain