The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft last week. However, ESPN’s coverage of the selection has angered Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin.
The 2025 Ted Hendricks Award winner headed into the draft with questions over his arm length, measured in at 30 7/8″. ESPN displayed Bain’s arm length on its broadcast graphic after he was selected by the Buccaneers.
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Irvin slammed the broadcasters for displaying the info in an appearance on SportsGrid’s Outspoken with Dan Sileo.
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“They don’t ever stop trying to somehow, someway assault us,” Irvin said. “And it was absolutely classless and uncalled for. When Rueben Bain’s name got called, this is one of the greatest moments of your life. You’re gonna look back at this tape all the time and watch that year you got drafted.
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“And ESPN, these mother… when he was walking, did you see the infobar? It had his arm length. I said, ‘Are you sh*tting me? You’re supposed to have a highlight here, not a lowlight! Not something that everybody’s been talking about, that has made this man’s value fall down.”
Rueben Bain Jr. had a career year with Miami in 2025. He posted 9 1/2 sacks in his last season for the Hurricanes, winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht excited by Rueben Bain Jr.’s “unique” talent
Rueben Bain Jr. was expected to be among the top 10 picks in the draft. However, the concern about his arm length saw him slide to No. 15 in the draft. Despite the scrutiny, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, who was surprised by Bain’s availability at No. 15, has no doubts over his skills.
“There were very few scenarios where we thought he’d be there, but there were scenarios, and we’re very excited,” said Licht. “I’ve probably never seen a more excited draft room. He’s very unique, where he’s got a great blend of power and athleticism.
“He can bend, he’s got get-off, he’s very powerful, he’s got very explosive…not just athleticism but powerful hands, powerful strength. And he plays very edgy. He plays with a chip on his shoulder.”
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
