Rueben Bain Jr. is one of the top prospects to watch ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Miami Hurricanes edge rusher has been stellar as an anchor on defense and is forecasted as a game-changing defender off the edge.
With his combination of size and speed, Bain is a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles. Not only can he set the edge against outside runs, but he also creates constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. According to PFF, he has a pass rushing grade of 92.4 which shows how devastating he can be off the edge despite just 3.0 sacks so far in 2025.
When watching Bain, it’s his intimidating presence and physicality as a defensive leader that makes him one of the top prizes in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Rueben Bain Jr knows how to bring it off the edge
At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Bain Jr. has the making of the next great Miami Hurricanes defender in the NFL. As a player with great hustle, Bain is primed to make a major impact on any team that drafts him. In his latest big board ranking, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the explosive edge rusher at No. 12, but one of the top defenders entering the draft due to his pass rushing skillset.
Kiper writes:
“Bain is powerful and has really strong hands. He routinely gets the best of some very good offensive tackles, often with his dominant rip move, and he knows every trick in the book in getting home to the QB. Bain also shows speed and bend off the edge, and he takes good angles. Plus, he can hold the edge against the run and get off blocks to chase down ball carriers. His tape is just filled with disruption.”
Depending on need, Bain can go anywhere in the top 10. If he slides, it won’t be outside the top 15 given what he brings to the table as a high-level, high-energy defender off the edge. Here’s a look at 3 great fits for the Miami Hurricanes edge technician.
3 NFL teams in position to land Rueben Bain Jr.
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans need upgrades at a few positions but need an All-Pro level pass rusher. Bain fits that mode as a player who can be a disruptor on the edge with Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and 2024 NFL Draft second-round pick T’Vondre Sweat tearing things up in the interior of the line. The Titans will need to strengthen their secondary, but those three along up front should provide pressure and hurries on opposing quarterbacks.
Other top 10 options for the Titans: Caleb Downs, Arvell Reese, Jordyn Tyson
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints currently rank No. 27 in pass rush win rate. With a need to replace Cameron Jordan, the Saints can use their top pick on Bain who will not only replace Jordan but add speed and explosiveness off the edge. If the team does not go quarterback, Bain is the prize on defense for Saints.
Other top 10 non-QB options for the Saints: Arvell Reese, Jordyn Tyson, Peter Woods
Washington Commanders:
The Commanders have taken a step back in 2025, which will lead them to a top 10 pick and a perfect opportunity to get a top-level pass rusher. The Commanders have aging veterans like Von Miller and Bobby Wager on their last leg, so prioritizing a edge rush star like Bain if he falls to them, is a no-brainer. While the team continues to build around Jayden Daniels defensively, centering the defense around the ability of Bain defensively would make the Commanders a team to watch in the NFC in 2026 and beyond.
Other top 10 options for the Commanders: Arvell Reese, T.J. Parker, Jermod McCoy