Jon Gruden sees something familiar in Rueben Bain Jr.
The former Buccaneers head coach was glowing about Tampa Bay’s first-round defensive end, even drawing a line to former Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison because of the way Bain plays and carries himself.
“I think he can be a double-digit sack guy,” Gruden said, via the 95.7 WDAE show. “If you look at James Harrison who played a long time for the Pittsburgh Steelers, very similar length and playing style [to Bain].
Coach [Larry] Foote on the Bucs staff, I think I heard him mention James Harrison ‘s name and Harrison was not even drafted but he would kick your ass week-in and week-out. That is what I think Tampa Bay has, their version of a young James Harrison.”
In Atlanta, Drake London picked up an honorable mention in a league-wide receivers poll voted on by coaches and executives. One NFL coordinator praised London’s all-around game, especially in the contested-catch and red-zone areas.
“Really solid in most areas, great at the 50-50 catch, great in the red zone. He won’t take the top off as often as some others, more of a possession guy, but really good in his role.
He’d probably be more of a household name with better QB play,” an NFL coordinator said. (Jeremy Fowler)
Meanwhile, Cameron Jordan is heading into a 16th season with the Saints after spending time at the annual Sack Summit in Vegas, the pass-rusher gathering started by Von Miller in 2017. Jordan said the event gives edge rushers a chance to trade ideas, pick up techniques, and stay connected with players around the league.
“I’ve been a part of those camps way back when,” Jordan said, via Fox Sports’ Scott Thompson. “So, the fact that we can all team up, call our friends around the league, and come in and talk ball. It’s that mentality.”
In Other News...
Bucs Suddenly Face An Uncomfortable Linebacker Decision After Revamp
The Buccaneers spent the offseason reshaping the middle of their defense after Lavonte Davids retirement, bringing in Alex Anzalone and Josiah Trotter to help stabilize a linebacker room that suddenly looks very different. It is the kind of move that usually signals competition and depth, but it also changes the calculus for players who were already in the mix, especially after a season in which one of Tampa Bays younger linebackers logged a full workload and put together a strong statistical case to stay involved.
Now the question is whether the new look leaves enough room for everyone, or whether the Bucs will decide they can turn a recent starter into a trade chip while the market still has some value. The concern is not just about snaps, but about fit, and specifically how Tampa Bay views the players impact when the game tilts toward passing situations. With the depth chart being reworked around veteran help and a rookie addition, this is one of those uncomfortable roster calls that can tell you a lot about how a team sees its defense heading into the season. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Training Camp Depth Chart Will Spark Plenty Of Debate
The Buccaneers are still a few weeks away from reporting for training camp on July 28, but the first projected depth chart of the summer already gives the roster a familiar look in some spots and a messy feel in others. Baker Mayfield is entrenched at quarterback, and the offense has a handful of positions that seem stable enough to sketch in pencil, especially after the teams recent draft picks, free agent additions and other offseason moves.
Even so, there is plenty here to argue about once camp opens. The receiver group, the back end of the secondary and a few reserve spots on both lines all look like they could shift quickly, and the competition at cornerback is especially worth watching with a new arrival in the mix. For a team trying to sort out its best 53, the real intrigue is not at the top of the chart, but in the spots where one strong week in camp could change the conversation entirely. [Read more 🡒]
Bucs Young Pass Rushers Just Took A Step Fans Have Been Waiting On
The Buccaneers sent three young defensive linemen to the NFLs Sack Summit, a clear sign the team is still investing in the kind of pass-rushing development that can change the shape of a defense. Rueben Bain Jr., Calijah Kancey and David Walker were among the players taking part in the event, which is designed to sharpen technique and help edge and interior rushers turn traits into production.
For Tampa Bay, the appeal is obvious. Bain is getting ready for his first NFL season, Kancey has already shown disruptive ability, and Walker is working his way back into the mix as the Bucs try to build more pressure up front. The organization has made it clear that strengthening the defensive front is part of the long game, and this kind of offseason work is one more step in that direction. [Read more 🡒]