Buccaneers’ Rueben Bain Jr gets James Harrison comparison from former Steelers LB

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2026 offseason searching for a tone-setter on defense. Early signs suggest Rueben Bain Jr could become exactly that. Expectations surrounding the young edge rusher skyrocketed this week after outside linebackers coach Larry Foote invoked one of the most intimidating names of the modern NFL era: James Harrison.

Foote shared a locker room with Harrison during his championship years in Pittsburgh. The former didn’t hesitate when describing Bain’s disruptive traits.

“Back in my Pittsburgh days, I played with a guy named James Harrison like that,” Foote said. “It was just, you couldn’t block him. He has that trait, he has that ability.”

Larry Foote on Rueben Bain Jr: “Back in my Pittsburgh days, I played with a guy named James Harrison like that. It was just, you couldn’t block him. He has that trait, he has that ability.”

He added that they all stood up after Bain’s combine interview and nodded their heads. pic.twitter.com/H369d3VYIk

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) May 20, 2026

For Tampa Bay, that comparison carries enormous weight. Harrison built his reputation as a relentless edge defender. He could overwhelm tackles with leverage, violence, and raw power. Foote indicated the organization saw similar qualities long before Bain ever stepped onto an NFL practice field.

During the pre-draft process, Bain reportedly left such a strong impression in his combine interview that Tampa Bay’s decision-makers immediately recognized his leadership and intensity.

Foote added that they all stood up after Bain’s combine interview and nodded their heads. That just reinforces the idea that Bain possessed the elusive “it” factor teams covet in franchise defenders.

Before arriving in Tampa Bay, Bain established himself as one of college football’s premier edge defenders. From the moment he stepped onto campus, he showcased his ability to consistently collapse pockets against elite competition. His relentless motor and physical dominance quickly made him a foundational defender for Miami, cementing his reputation as one of the most NFL-ready pass rushers in the 2026 draft class.

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