The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to hit a home run with their draft class in order to win games in a make-or-break season. When they drafted Rueben Bain and Josiah Trotter in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, the question was more about how soon they would make an impact and not about if they would.
When Bucs General Manager Jason Licht was asked about the progress of the two rookies, he made it clear that he could not be any happier right now.
“Couldn’t be happier right now, with both,” Licht stated. “Not just what you see out there with practice, just their overall approach to the game, their professionalism, it means everything to them.”
The two have been highly involved with the first-team defense, and all indications are that both have a good chance to start in Week 1.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht Could Not Be Happier With Rookies
The expectations for Bain have been the same since he was drafted. Plenty of mock drafts and prognostications had him being a top five or top ten selection. So, when he fell to the 15th pick, the expectations were not quite the same for a typical 15th overall pick.
Now that Bain is still meeting those expectations, it is good to hear. Bain is likely to start across from Yaya Diaby in Week 1. The team signed Al-Quadin Muhammad, but he can rotate in on the run downs. Then, they have second-year pass rusher David Walker emerging in training camp.
He is undersized, but can be a speed rusher on pass downs. So, they have their two starters and two specialized role players. The room could be set.
Linebacker is a bit more muddy. The team drafted Trotter, and he has worked in with the first-team at times. However, it has not been a permanent move. They also signed Christian Rozeboom and Alex Anzalone in free agency. Both are making a case to start.
While SirVocea Dennis is not expected to start, he did get work with the first team, as the only returning starter of the four. Still, Licht expects to see Trotter as one of the top two linebackers much sooner rather than later.
Buccaneers Are High On Entire 2026 Rookie Draft Class
Licht was asked specifically about those two, but he noted that he is excited about the entire 2026 draft class. Ted Hurst has made a few flash catches as the team’s depth receiver. Keionte Scott has played nickel, safety, and even some outside cornerback. He is showing impressive versatility for a fourth-round rookie.
DeMonte Capehart is expected to make the team as a fifth-round rookie, and their other fifth-round pick, Billy Schrauth, has been impressing teammates. Even sixth-round rookie Bauer Sharp has made a few plays in training camp.
The Bucs needed a great draft class, and so far it looks like they are getting one.
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