Bucs' Bain Jr. early favorite for Defensive ROTY

Analyst Ben Arthur has included Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Rueben Bain Jr. in his projections for potential award winners from the 2026 rookie class. Arthur believes the No. 15 pick, who slipped in the first round, landed in an ideal situation with defensive-minded head coach Todd Bowles.

The Buccaneers' edge rusher is projected to accumulate 8 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, and 1 forced fumble. Bain could benefit from Vita Vea drawing attention from interior offensive linemen, creating advantageous matchups on the edge. forestarrow.rest