Things couldn't have worked out much better for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Draft, and especially in the first round.

The Bucs needed a starting edge rusher badly, and it was a need they would certainly address at some point in the draft. They were reportedly interested in Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, who was the most commonly-mocked player to them during the offseason, but they got a different Miami edge rusher when the board fell in their favor. Hurricanes star Rueben Bain Jr. fell all the way to No. 15, and the Buccaneers took him without hesitation, giving them what they hope will be a bona fide No. 1 at the position in 2026 and beyond.

Before that happened, though, the Buccaneers were exploring other options.…