The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been searching for a game-wrecking pass rusher to pair with a defense that already features Pro Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and a deep interior rotation anchored by Vita Vea. On May 24, during a press conference that had fans and analysts alike leaning forward in their seats, linebackers coach Larry Foote offered the kind of endorsement that turns a promising rookie into a must-watch story.
Rueben Bain Jr., the Buccaneers' first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, isn't just another name on the depth chart. According to Foote, he's the next James Harrison.
"He's going to be a star," Foote said. "I see a lot of James Harrison in him."
That comparison carries weight. Harrison was an undrafted free agent who became a two-time Super Bowl champion, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and one of the most feared edge rushers of his generation. For a rookie who hasn't yet taken a regular-season snap to draw that parallel from a respected position coach suggests the Bucs believe they've found something special.
From College Dominance to Pro Potential
Bain arrived in Tampa Bay after a standout collegiate career at Miami, where he piled up 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman. He followed that with consistent production, showcasing a blend of power, burst, and a relentlessly high motor that made him a first-round lock. But what caught the attention of the Buccaneers' coaching staff wasn't just the stat sheet. It was the way he won.
Foote, a former NFL linebacker who played alongside Harrison in Pittsburgh and later won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers as a player, knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He sees in Bain the same combination of explosiveness and technical refinement that made Harrison a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles.
"When you watch him on tape, he's not just running around guys," Foote said. "He's got a plan. He's got moves. He plays with an edge."
That edge is something the Bucs' defense has lacked since the departure of veteran pass rushers in recent seasons. With Yaya Diaby and Chris Braswell currently holding down the primary edge roles, Bain provides immediate competition and a potential long-term answer on the opposite side.
How Bain Fits in Todd Bowles' Scheme
Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who also serves as head coach, has long favored versatile, attacking defensive fronts that can generate pressure without relying solely on blitzes. The addition of Bain gives Bowles another weapon to deploy in those creative sub-packages.
Bain is listed among the linebackers on the current roster but his skill set suggests he'll primarily rush from a three-point stance or a two-point standup position on the edge. At Miami, he lined up all over the defensive front -- from wide-9 alignment to standing up over the tight end -- and that versatility is exactly what Bowles values.
The comparison to Harrison also hints at Bain's potential in coverage. Harrison wasn't just a one-dimensional rusher; he could drop, read and react, and hold his own in space. If Bain can develop that same all-around game, he becomes more than a third-down specialist. He becomes an every-down difference-maker.
Foote's comments also reflect a broader confidence in the rookie's mindset. The coaching staff has praised Bain's approach to meetings, film study, and practice since he arrived for rookie minicamp. In a room that includes veterans like Alex Anzalone and Anthony Nelson, Bain is reportedly absorbing lessons quickly and already showing the kind of preparation that usually takes years to develop.
A Deep Defensive Line Just Got Deeper
The Buccaneers' defensive line room is already one of the deepest on the roster. Vita Vea continues to anchor the interior at nose tackle, while Calijah Kancey provides an explosive, penetrating presence at defensive tackle. A'Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches add veteran stability in the rotation.
On the edge, Yaya Diaby broke out with a double-digit sack campaign two years ago, and Chris Braswell has shown flashes of disruptive ability. The team also brought back Anthony Nelson, a reliable rotational piece, and added Al-Quadin Muhammad for depth.
Bain enters that mix as the wild card. He's not being asked to carry the pass rush by himself. But if Foote's assessment is accurate, he might quickly become the most dangerous rusher on the roster.
"This kid has the work ethic to match his talent," Foote added. "He's not satisfied with just being a first-round pick. He wants to be great."
What This Means for the Season Ahead
Preseason optimism is a renewable resource in the NFL. Every team has a player who "looks great in shorts" or is "turning heads at OTAs." But Foote's comparison to Harrison elevates Bain's hype above the typical rookie buzz. Harrison wasn't just a good player -- he was a transformative force. To hear a coach of Foote's pedigree make that connection is significant.
Still, expectations need to be managed. Bain has yet to face NFL-caliber offensive tackles in a live game setting. The jump from college to the pros is steep, and even the most polished prospects often need time to adjust. What Foote's comments do suggest, however, is that the Buccaneers believe Bain has the physical tools and mental makeup to make that transition more quickly than most.
With training camp approaching, all eyes will be on the rookie as he takes his first live reps against an offensive line anchored by Tristan Wirfs and Graham Barton. If Bain can flash the same explosiveness and technical savvy that made him a star at Miami, the Buccaneers may have finally found the edge rusher to elevate their defense from good to great.
For a team that has been in a reloading phase since their Super Bowl victory, finding a potential star in the draft is exactly what general manager Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles were hoping for. Foote's bold prediction has put Bain on the map. Now, the rookie gets to prove the coach right.