Baker Mayfield isn’t easing into the Rueben Bain Jr. hype. He’s throwing it straight into the deep end.
On the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast, the Buccaneers quarterback was asked about Tampa Bay’s new pieces up front, and when Bain’s name came up, Mayfield went all in on the rookie first-rounder.
“I think Bain, first and foremost, is going to be a monster.”
That’s a hefty label for a player whose preseason was cut almost before it started. Bain logged only six defensive snaps against Kansas City before an AC joint sprain ended his summer, so there isn’t much game tape to lean on yet. Even so, Tampa Bay used the No. 15 overall pick on him for a reason, and Mayfield’s comments suggest the confidence in Bain goes beyond draft-night optimism.
Mayfield didn’t stop there. He also pointed to the rest of the front seven as a group that could give the Buccaneers more juice on defense.
He brought up David Walker’s explosiveness as he returns from a torn ACL, plus Yaya Diaby and Al-Quadin Muhammad coming off the edge. He said Elijah Roberts should take another step, and he had a one-line scouting report for Calijah Kancey.
“Calijah Kancey is a freak.”
Tampa Bay has been chasing more consistent pressure up front, and the names Mayfield mentioned give the defense more ways to attack than it had before. Bain remains the biggest unknown simply because he barely played in the preseason, but if Mayfield’s read is right, the rookie could become a major piece of this defense sooner rather than later.
In Other News...
Bucs Backfield Depth Suddenly Looks Shaky Before Bengals Opener
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If Tucker cannot go because of an undisclosed injury, the Buccaneers may need to turn to Josh Williams from the practice squad to fill the role. It is not the sort of wrinkle the Bucs wanted heading into Week 1, especially with the offense trying to settle into a rhythm right away, and it leaves one more roster decision hanging until the final injury call comes in. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Just Sent A Clear Message About Their Backup QB Plan
The Buccaneers have already made one notable adjustment to their quarterback room, releasing Jake Browning after guaranteeing part of his salary and turning the backup job over to undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels. It is the kind of move that says plenty about how the team views Daniels, especially with general manager Jason Licht pointing to the way he earned the role despite having so little experience.
Tampa Bay also brought in Easton Stick, adding a passer who knows the offensive coordinators system and can offer a steadier hand behind Daniels if needed. The setup leaves the Bucs with a young, unconventional depth chart and a clear willingness to trust upside, even if the more proven insurance option is now sitting right there in the room. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Week 1 Depth Chart Settles A Key Rookie Battle
The Buccaneers first official depth chart of the 2026 regular season answered one of the teams more closely watched camp questions before the opener against Cincinnati. Josiah Trotter is listed as the starting middle linebacker, a sign that the rookies summer push was enough to move him ahead of SirVocea Dennis in the middle of the defense.
Tampa Bays initial lineup also gives a clearer look at how the rookie class fits around the roster, with Rueben Bain Jr. listed as a starting outside linebacker and Jalon Daniels slotted behind Baker Mayfield at quarterback. The chart also includes several rookie receivers and tight ends in notable spots, leaving a few more young players with an early chance to carve out roles once the season begins. [Read more 🡒]