The Bucs Have A Star In The Making With Rueben Bain Jr.

Many of the Bucs coaches knew right off the jump that first-round pick outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. was going to be something special. Whether it was watching him on tape, meeting him in person, or getting to see him firsthand at practice, the coaching staff has high but fair expectations for this potential game wrecking pass rusher.

Bain has quickly become the a top candidate for the steal of the draft. He’s received rave reviews from several coaches, including his position coach and run game coordinator, Larry Foote. Those who know Foote understand that he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He keeps it real all the time and did so Tuesday when talking about Tampa Bay’s first-round pick.

Larry Foote Compares Bucs’ Bain To Former Teammate Of His

“Off the film, if you had to bet, he’s going to be a star,” Foote said. “The way he plays the game, he’s explosive, plays with great leverage and its hard to block those guys. Back in my Pittsburgh days I played with a guy James Harrison. You just couldn’t block him. He (Bain) has that trait, has that ability.”

The physical tools are all certainly there. But it’s his mental makeup that stood out to Foote the most.

“I’m more impressed with his mindset,” Foote said. “I kind of got a little feel for that when we interviewed him at the Combine. But these last few weeks he has that Lavonte David focus. That area down there in Miami, them guys, it’s Jesus 1A and football 1B. Them guys love ball. Even when it’s break time he ain’t putting his phone out like the rest of them. He’s all about ball, so I’m excited to have him.”

Foote then gave a little more insight into that meeting that place in Indianapolis.

“He told you what the linebacker had, the guys on the inside, he knew the coverage, remembered the play,” Foote said.  “As soon as he left, everybody stood up and shook their head.”

And his analysis of Bain only was further proven when he got to coach him up at Bucs rookie mini-camp.

“Rookie tryout camp, nobody could block him,” Foote said. “That was expected. Hustle to the ball, we’ve seen that throughout his tape. He loves ball, he’s all about ball, and he’s been playing since he’s been four years old.”

Rueben Bain Jr.’s Intangibles Stand Out To Bucs

Another coach who had rave reviews of Bain was defensive passing game coordinator George Edwards. His job can quickly become a lot easier defending the pass if Bain is getting to the quarterback so that throw is either altered or not thrown at all. Edwards also had a relationship with Bain’s coach at Miami, Jason Taylor, when they were with the Dolphins.

Edwards knew what to expect with Bain’s game, but after watching him in person, those expectations have been exceeded.

“Just looking at him on tape we knew what kind of difference maker he was,” Edwards said. “We didn’t think he would be there at our pick, we were fortunate enough that he was there and he was available. He brings a lot of intangibles to the position, brings a lot of intangibles to the locker room, so we’re excited to have him.

“We know he was coached by Jason Taylor down in Miami who I had while I was in the Dolphins, so I know he’s had a lot of exposure to a lot of things already. He’s come in, he’s approached it like a pro, you can just tell where he’s at from a learning situation as far as coming in, it’s not too big for him. You’re excited every day he’s in, you see him grow, you see him continue to get better. We’re excited for where he’s at right now and look forward to keep progressing down the road with him.”