​The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just draft Rueben Bain Jr. to help in 2026. They believe he can become one of the cornerstones of their defense for years to come.In a recent ranking of every first-round pick based on long-term upside, Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo placed Bain at No. 10 overall. The exercise focused less on immediate production and more on which rookies have the potential to become foundational players over the course of their careers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMelo acknowledged Bain’s biggest question entering the draft was his arm length, a physical trait that many evaluators believed contributed to his unexpected fall to the Buccaneers at No. 15 overall. Despite those concerns, Melo noted that Tampa Bay believes Bain can overcome that limitation and develop into the same dominant pass rusher he was throughout his college career.That confidence has already been reflected throughout the offseason. Head coach Todd Bowles has repeatedly praised Bain’s football intelligence and ability to process information like a veteran, while the Buccaneers have already placed him atop the depth chart at left outside linebacker. Rather than easing him into a rotational role, Tampa Bay appears ready to let the rookie grow through meaningful snaps from Day 1.The upside is easy to understand. Bain brings a relentless motor, polished hand usage and the versatility to rush from multiple alignments. Those traits helped him become one of the nation’s most productive edge defenders in college, and they fit naturally into Bowles’ aggressive defensive system.If Bain develops as the Buccaneers expect, his draft-day slide may eventually be remembered as one of the biggest steals of the 2026 class. Melo’s ranking reflects that belief, projecting Bain not only as an immediate contributor but as one of the first-round picks with the highest ceiling over the long term.This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What is Rueben Bain Jr.’s long-term upside with the Bucs?