Rueben Bain Struggles After Buccaneers Draft Him at Pick 15

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have yet to see a significant defensive contribution from rookie edge rusher Rueben Bain, who was selected 15th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Through his first three active games, Bain has recorded three tackles without a sack or quarterback hit, while the Los Angeles Rams' decision to draft quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 continues to draw comparisons with other rookies.

According to the available statistics, Bain has played 111 defensive snaps this season. His performance against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night included 35 snaps and the first run tackle of his professional career, although his overall production remains limited.

Before the season, Bain's strong training camp prompted speculation that teams passing on him, including the Rams, might regret their decisions. However, his early-season numbers have not supported arguments that selecting him instead of Simpson would have provided an immediate improvement for Los Angeles.

Next Gen Stats reported that Bain had generated four pressures entering Week 5, while Pro-Football-Reference continued to list him with zero pressures for the 2026 season. The discrepancy reflects differences in how statistical services define and record quarterback pressures.

Next Gen Stats described Bain's performance in its assessment of edge rushers with at least 25 pass-rush attempts:

"Rueben Bain Jr. has generated four pressures and a 9.8% pressure rate this season, tied for 80th-highest among 123 edge rushers with at least 25 pass rushes. Bain has generated one quick pressure, and his average time to pressure of 3.35 is the 29th-longest among the same group of players. Bain is also the only Buccaneers edge rusher who has yet to record a run stop (run tackle that results in a negative play for the offense)." Next Gen Stats reported.

The pressure figures remain uncertain because the number of pressures Bain recorded against Dallas has not been specified. If he generated none during that game, his pressure rate would fall to approximately 7%, according to the source article's calculation.

The debate surrounding the Rams' draft choice also involves wide receiver Makai Lemon and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, two other rookies mentioned as potential alternatives to Simpson. Lemon has caught 10 passes for 65 yards through four games, according to the source article.

Next Gen Stats ranked Lemon third-lowest in yards per route among NFL receivers with at least 75 routes. His 65 receiving yards came on 108 routes, according to the same statistics.

Sadiq, meanwhile, recorded seven receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions two weeks ago. Those numbers accounted for 75% of his season production at the time, but the rookie recorded no catches on four targets against the Chicago Bears the following week.

The argument favoring alternatives to Simpson centered on immediate contributions rather than long-term potential. Supporters of selecting another player framed their position around helping the Rams compete during the current season.

"Pick someone who can help you NOW!"

Another statement in the debate emphasized the importance of immediate results at the Rams' home stadium:

"If drafting them would've ensured that we're going to show at SoFi Stadium next year … I'd say sign me up. We're taking that guy."

Beyond Bain, Lemon and Sadiq, other potential draft alternatives included guard Vega Ione, safety Dillon Thieneman and defensive tackle Caleb Banks. The available early-season statistics, however, do not establish that Bain or Lemon would have delivered the immediate production sought by advocates of selecting someone other than Simpson.

Simpson, selected 13th overall by Los Angeles, has not yet been active for an NFL game this season. His lack of game appearances contrasts with the measurable but limited early contributions of several other rookies whose selections have become part of the Rams' draft debate.