An analyst identifies Rueben Bain Jr. as the ideal edge rusher to fortify the Saints' defense, potentially revolutionizing their pass rush with his explosive talent.
The New Orleans Saints are set to improve in the upcoming season. It all starts with a good pick in the 2026 NFL draft's first round.
The Saints' first pick will come at No. 8. And while the team has the unenviable task of fixing its roster with two glaring needs entering the month of April, there's a chance the team will improve dramatically from the moment they select at No. 8.
One analyst believes that there is a clear best choice for the Saints with their first-round selection. ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Bowen calls Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. his best team fit for New Orleans. Bowen discussed why the pick makes so much sense.
"There's a need here to add a pass rusher in New Orleans, as veteran Cameron Jordan is still a free agent. Plus it's an opportunity for coordinator Brandon Staley to add a potential game-wrecker for his defense.
With Bain's ability to turn the corner, he can be schemed out of loaded fronts to get one-on-one pass-rush matchups. His power at the point of attack means he can also be flipped inside in nickel fronts. And he is stout on the edge versus the run game (54 tackles on designed rushes in 2025). Simply put, there's a sense of ruggedness to Bain's game that should translate to the pro level. And he put up his best tape when everyone was watching, totaling five sacks during the College Football Playoff."
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesBain has among the widest range of projected draft picks of the players that have seen first round predictions. It's easy to see Bain drafted ahead of New Orleans, but it is possible he falls outside the Top 10 should the draft fall a certain way.
It's uncertain which way the Saints will go with their pick if Bain falls to No. 8, but few if any should take any issue with the Miami edge rusher being the pick for New Orleans.
The main gripe against Bain is not how he performed or how productive he was in 2025. The Miami star wrecked several games including the national championship against the Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana won the game, but not without issues in pass protection.
The Saints do need to add an impact receiver in the draft to feel good about their offense. Even so, if Bain is available to New Orleans, wide receiver might be a need they need to put off until the second round.