Rueben Bain’s intense interview shows teams will regret draft snub

One of the bigger slides on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft came with former Miami edge rusher and new Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender, Rueben Bain.

Widely viewed as a potential top-10 pick in this year’s draft, Bain ended up sliding to No. 15 to the Bucs, which could end up being great value.

One thing was very clear after he got picked: Bain was not happy about going as low as he did and he’s very intent on making teams pay.

That was very clear during Bain’s intense interview after he was picked that included very to-the-point answers about what he brings to the table.

“It’s my mentality, it’s what I can do,” Bain said when asked about how his versatility helps the Bucs. “It’s how I think about myself. I know I’m the best in the country. I’m gonna show it.”

When asked what gives him the confidence to prove doubters wrong, he reinforced his mentality and his ability to do anything he puts his mind to.

“My mentality, I’m telling you, I can do anything I put my mind to, because of my mindset” he said. “I know when I get at this next level, it’s on and poppin’.”

Even his walk off was intense. That was a man on fire.

You could even see the intensity and determination to prove teams wrong when he was sharing hugs upon having his name called.

Yeah, Rueben isn’t messing around.

Why did Rueben Bain slide?

The biggest knock on Bain was his short arms, which come in at a shade under 31 inches.

That has led some experts to believe he could have issues dealing with NFL offensive linemen.

However, legendary former Alabama head coach Nick Saban doesn’t see that as being a problem after what he put on tape at Miami.