​Expectations continue to rise for Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Rueben Bain Jr. before he’s even played his first NFL snap.In a recent article highlighting the projected roles for every first-round rookie, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed Bain’s initial role as the Buccaneers’ starting edge rusher. Knox noted that Bain entered the 2026 NFL Draft as the top-ranked edge defender and the fifth-ranked overall prospect on Bleacher Report’s draft board before unexpectedly sliding to Tampa Bay with the 15th overall pick.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKnox pointed to Tampa Bay’s current edge rotation, which includes Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Chris Braswell, but believes Bain has already separated himself enough to earn a starting job. He also cited the early praise Bain has received from head coach Todd Bowles during offseason workouts.That projection aligns with how the Buccaneers’ current depth chart is shaping up. Bain is listed as the starting left outside linebacker opposite Diaby, giving Tampa Bay a pair of young pass rushers to build around. Veteran Anthony Nelson provides experienced depth behind Bain, while Braswell and Al-Quadin Muhammad round out one of the deeper edge groups the Buccaneers have assembled in recent years.Knox also noted that Bain recorded 9.5 sacks during his final collegiate season and believes he has the talent to quickly become the centerpiece of Tampa Bay’s pass rush. If his strong offseason continues into training camp, the rookie appears well on his way to opening Week 1 exactly where many expected him to be when the Buccaneers drafted him in the first round.This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: What role will Rueben Bain Jr. have with the Bucs in 2026?