Rueben Bain Jr. — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

There are other needs, but Bain simply fits the mold of what Brett Veach and Andy Reid look for in a rugged QB hunter and two-way player off the edge.

The Titans could go several directions: build up a supporting cast around second-year QB Cam Ward, address the offensive line or add to a defense that lacks threats outside of All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons. Defense is the smartest bet in this draft. After finishing in the middle of the pack with 42 sacks this season, the Titans hired defensive-minded Robert Saleh as coach and will likely use a base 4-3 defense where three-down defensive ends are needed.

Bain has the power at 6-foot-3, 275 pounds to stay on the field regardless of down or distance. With 9.5 sacks and an incredible 71 pressures last season, Bain showed the necessary determination to complement his athletic traits and be great on the edge. His shorter arm length might worry some teams, but Bain's motor and speed-to-power skills make him worthy of being one of the top picks in this draft.

Bain Jr. is an explosive, violent edge rusher with rare power and bend, capable of turning the corner from wide alignments and overwhelming tackles with speed-to-power. He wins with a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves -- from bull rushes to inside counters -- and plays with exceptional contact balance and hand usage to shed blocks both as a rusher and run defender. Relentlessly disruptive and highly explosive off the snap, Bain consistently collapses pockets, sets a firm edge and makes impact plays from whistle to whistle.

Bain is my top edge rusher prospect. He is so good that I believe he should be the Jets' choice at No. 2, despite the team's more pressing needs. Bain earned an elite 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade against true pass sets in 2025, and he chipped in an 86.2 PFF run-defense grade, too.

Miami led the nation in sacks, and Bain was an offense-wrecking machine. He frequently drew double teams, yet still finished with 9.5 sacks and 83 total pressures, according to PFF. Lined up alongside Chris Jones, Bain immediately would revitalize the Chiefs' slumping defense.

The return of former Baltimore assistant Jesse Minter as the team's new head coach could help the Ravens return to their beat 'em up defensive roots, especially if they add an energetic combo player with pass-rush skills. Despite lacking ideal measurables, Bain dominated throughout the College Football Playoff (five sacks), suggesting his skills can translate to the pro game.

Bain is my favorite fit for the Chiefs. Andy Reid has always had an appreciation for players with a junkyard-dog mentality like Bain possesses, having coached Trent Cole and Brandon Graham in Philadelphia.