Should the Saints select Rueben Bain Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The New Orleans Saints have been frequently paired with an offensive playmaker in most mock drafts. This has varied from wide receivers Jordyn Tyson, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and Denzel Boston to Jeremiyah Love, the dynamic running back. However, in NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang’s recent mock at Fox Sports, he had the Saints selecting Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. A defensive end may not be fans' biggest priority, but Bain would be a perfect prospect for New Orleans.
Rang notes how the Saints are amidst a rebuild, and it’s vital they start rebuilding their roster, which starts with the pass rush. They have young stars in Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Chase Young and Kool-Aid McKinstry, but have lots of ageing players as well. This is why it’s crucial they address edge rusher and continue building on their young core.
“With iconic players like Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis and Taysom Hill among 18 unrestricted free agents this year for the Saints, the roster set by head coach Kellen Moore could look much different in his second season in Baton Rouge than his first,” Rang wrote. “If Moore and longtime New Orleans GM Mickey Loomis fully commit to rebuilding this roster, Bain plays with the physicality and mentality of a franchise anchor.”
As Rang alluded to, Bain could become a franchise cornerstone for the Saints. The 6-foot-2, 277-pound edge rusher has the potential to become a three-down NFL player. His dominance against the run and prowess rushing the passer make him one of the top prospects in the draft.
Bain is the best run defender in this year's draft. Despite having small arms, he’s able to separate from blocks and throw the opposing lineman off him with his power. This, paired with his elite agility, which lets him instantly penetrate the backfield and blow up plays, makes him a game-wrecker.
Bain’s calling card is his run defense, but he’s impactful as a pass rusher as well. He had an absurd, league-leading 83 pressures and was consistently in the backfield. He’s a triple threat: Bain can win with speed around the edge, power while bullrushing and with technique. He has a rare mix of power and speed that’s coveted in the NFL. His arm usage is impeccable, allowing him to release from the lineman and reach the quarterback.
Overall, Rueben Bain Jr. is one of the premier prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and would be a home-run pick for the Saints at eight. He’s a gamewrecker against the run and will consistently provide pressure on the quarterback. Bain would be a franchise cornerstone opposite of Chase Young on the Saints defense for years to come.