Retired Buccaneers Legend Has High Praise for Incoming Rookie Rueben Bain Jr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David retired this offseason. However, Bucs rookie Rueben Bain Jr. had him rethinking that decision.

“I knew Bain already,” David told ESPN’s Kevin Clark on This Is Football. “I reached out to him after he got drafted. He told me, ‘Man, I wish you just waited one more year.’ And I was like in my mind, ‘Maybe I should have, but, you know, the deal is done already. I’m out, my guy.’ But I told him I’m definitely going to be there supporting him and stuff like that.”

Retired Buccaneers Legend Has High Praise for Incoming Rookie Rueben Bain Jr.

David’s words carry plenty of weight around Tampa Bay.

He is one of the most decorated players in franchise history. All 215 of David’s career games came in the red and pewter. Last season, he tied Derrick Brooks for the franchise’s all-time lead in tackles with 1,714. He also holds the Buccaneers’ franchise records for tackles for loss, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.

David retired this offseason as one of the most accomplished and beloved players in franchise history.

He is not the only one who has spoken highly of Bain Jr.

“Off the film, if you had to bet, he’s going to be a star,” Tampa Bay outside linebackers coach Larry Foote said in May.

Foote also compared rookie Rueben Bain Jr. to former teammate James Harrison because of his natural explosiveness and ability to play with low leverage.

Why Rookie Rueben Bain Jr. Is Generating So Much Hype

It’s easy to see why expectations are high for Bain Jr.

He was one of college football’s most productive pass rushers, recording 9.5 sacks during the regular season and five more in Miami’s four College Football Playoff games. He finished with 20.5 sacks across three regular seasons with the Hurricanes.

Bain Jr. was also an exceptional run defender last season, recording 15.5 tackles for loss and ranking ninth in the nation in run defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

His standout 2025 season earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors, making him the first Miami player to win the award since the Hurricanes joined the ACC in 2004.

Tampa Bay did not expect Bain Jr. to still be available with the No. 15 overall pick. The consensus entering the draft was that Bain Jr. would be selected in the top portion of the first round, with many mock drafts projecting him as a top-10 pick.

“There were very few scenarios where we thought he’d be there, but there were scenarios, and we’re very excited. I’ve probably never seen a more excited draft room,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said after the selection.

Outlook for the Bucs’ Defense in 2026

The Bucs allowed 24.2 points per game last season, ranking 20th in the NFL. It was the most points per game Tampa Bay had allowed in a season since surrendering 28.1 per game in 2019.

A major reason for the defensive struggles was the inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. Tampa Bay ranked 19th in the NFL in sacks despite blitzing at the sixth-highest rate in the league. That contributed to a pass defense that finished in the bottom third of the NFL in nearly every major statistical category.

The Bucs are hoping rookie Rueben Bain Jr., along with several other offseason additions, can provide a boost to both the pass rush and the overall defense.

David has high expectations for the unit entering the 2026 season.

“I definitely, definitely have high hopes for those guys, man. The roster, I can speak on the roster. The roster is amazing.”

David knows a thing or two about great defenses, and Bucs fans are hoping his praise for Bain Jr. and the rest of the unit proves to be prophetic.

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