Scouting Future Saints: Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr

One thing that was immediately noticeable for the New Orleans Saints defense under new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley was an improved pass rush from the edge. After just 29 combined sacks from their edge players in 2023 and 2024, the Saints got 31 sacks from that spot in 2025 along with several pressures and QB hits. However, most still expect New Orleans to select another pass rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft. Miami Hurricanes talent Rueben Bain Jr. may be one of the players at the top of their list.

Defender Chase Young finally had a breakout season and the best year of his career. Veteran Cameron Jordan had a year reminiscent of earlier in his Hall of Fame career. Jordan is also a free agent and even if he comes back, will be entering his 16th NFL season. That's why the Saints will likely nab another edge defender to complement Young. Perhaps as early as the eighth overall choice with this disruptive Hurricane.

Rueben Bain Jr. bio

• Position: Edge

• College: Miami (Fla) Hurricanes

• Height: 6-feet, 2 inches

• Weight: 263 pounds

At Miami Central Senior High School, Bain was one of the top players in the state of Florida and elected to stay home with the Hurricanes. He was an immediate contributor as a true freshman and a starter before the end of his first season, recording 12.5 tackles for loss and a team-best 7.5 sacks. That production earned him ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year recognition. Bain's production dipped a bit in 2024 amid a struggling defensive team, as he had 3.5 sacks and 5.5 stops for loss.

Bain bounced back in a big way for a Miami team that advanced to the national championship game. His 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, along with first career interception, earned him All-American honors as well as the Ted Hendricks Award and ACC Defensive Player of the Year accolades.

Strengths

• Power of a defensive tackle with edge agility

• Strength to bull rush linemen into the backfield

• Sets up inside moves like a seasoned veteran

• Outstanding power-speed conversion

• Holds up very well at point of attack against the run

• Good recognition of opposing offenses and double-picks.

Weaknesses

• Shorter arms and lacks prototype length

• Blockers can get inside his body and gain leverage

• Average closing burst to the ball

• Needs to develop counter moves

• Must do a better job at disengagement from blockers in pursuit

2026 draft outlook

Rueben Bain Jr. has a chance to be the first defensive player selected and will almost certainly be a top-10 pick. Yes, his arms and lack of length are a concern to some. His raw power, agility, and tenacity should be enough to ease those concerns. Bain's strength and ability to play the run should make him an every down defender early in his career and gives him the versatility to work in 3-4 and 4-3 schemes.

Even with his lack of prototype measurables, Bain has earned his spot near the top of the 2026 draft class. If Bain is there at number eight in the first round, one can easily see the Saints adding him with their pick. Bain has the all-around skill set to be a replacement for Cam Jordan, perhaps as early as 2026 if necessary, and be a long-term complement to Chase Young on the New Orleans edge.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Scouting Miami Hurricanes DE Rueben Bain Jr for Saints