Buccaneers’ $24 Million Rookie Called NFL’s Worst 1st-Round Pick

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. has struggled through the opening stretch of his debut NFL season, leading ESPN's Jeff Legwold to label him the most underperforming rookie in his draft class. Selected No. 15 overall and signed to a four-year, $23.7 million contract, Bain has posted just one sack, one quarterback hit, and an 8% pressure rate while missing two games to groin and shoulder injuries.

In contrast, Tony Adame highlights that Buccaneers second-round pick Josiah Trotter has thrived, earning recognition among the league's top rookies. Selected 46th overall, the inside linebacker leads Tampa Bay with 62 tackles through six games, featuring a pick-six against the Cincinnati Bengals.