The New York Giants could surprise a whole lot of people in the NFL Draft.
Even after an active free agency period, the New York Giants still have a whole lot of holes to fill. One of them is at defensive tackle.
Yes, Dexter Lawrence has historically been a star, but he had a down year in 2025, and even if he bounces back next season, the Giants still need to add someone next to him. Especially after struggling mightily against the run this past year.
New York could still land a veteran, as names like Calais Campbell and D.J. Reader remain available on the open market. But the Giants may choose to save that money and turn to the NFL Draft for an answer instead.
We have heard many players linked to New York in recent weeks, including — but not limited to — linebacker Sonny Styles, safety Caleb Downs and even running back Jeremiyah Love. But could Big Blue throw a major curveball at everyone?
With the No. 5 overall pick, we absolutely cannot rule out the possibility that the Giants select Miami Hurricanes standout Rueben Bain.
Bain played edge rusher in college, but due to his short arms, he projects as more of a 3-tech on the NFL level, much like former Giants star Justin Tuck.
The similarities between Bain and Tuck are uncanny: strong, big-bodied defensive ends with freakish athleticism and T. Rex arms. It worked for Tuck in the Big Apple, so why can't it work for Bain?
Rueben Bain. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.Just imagine how nasty the Giants' pass rush would be with Lawrence and Bain on the interior along with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter on the edge? And because Bain is versatile enough to slide up and down the line, he wouldn't be redundant with Burns and Carter like most other edges.
Remember: heading into 2025, many felt that Bain could the best overall talent in the 2026 draft class, and he still might be.
The 21-year-old racked up 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and an interception during his final season at Miami and displayed game-wrecking ability.
While I am entirely against taking Arvell Reese at No. 5 if he slips (it seems like he will be off the board by the time New York is on the clock anyway), I do not feel the same way about Bain, who brings a different element to the table.
There are some who feel that Bain might have to be a pass-rushing specialist on the professional level, but based on the run-stopping ability he demonstrated with the Hurricanes, I wholly disagree.
I understand that the NFL is a different ballgame, but I think Bain will be able to produce regardless of the situation.
There is plenty of trepidation surrounding Bain, and while Dane Brugler did link him to the Giants many moons ago, most aren't even viewing him as a candidate for New York. But I think there is a possibility the G-Men can shock everyone by nabbing Bain at No. 5, and I would be all for it.
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