Which defensive end did Tampa Bay draft 15th overall in 2026?

Tampa Bay drafted Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. 15th overall in the 2026 NFL draft.

Bain was a hometown-area product who played his college football for the Miami Hurricanes after starring at Miami Central High School. His high-school career included 77 sacks, and he quickly became a disruptive force at Miami. Although listed in some contexts as an edge rusher or linebacker, the draft selection identifies him as a defensive end.

Bain's college résumé included 121 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks in 38 games. His 2025 season was particularly strong: he posted 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, won the Ted Hendricks Award and earned consensus All-American recognition.

The nearby names can create an easy draft-order mix-up. Tampa Bay chose Bain at No. 15; Dallas later selected UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence at No. 23, while other listed alternatives were not Tampa Bay's 15th pick. Bain was also the first Miami player selected in the 2026 first round.