Rueben Bain Jr. — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Big spenders this offeason, the Patriots signed and reunited Harold Landry III with his former coach Mike Vrabel. That doesn't mean they won't look to add to their pass rush in 2026. While he missed several games in 2024 due to a calf injury and his numbers were down year over year, the explosive edge rusher had 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a true freshman in 2023. Depending on how he bounces back and takes a step forward, he has the traits to warrant a pick in the top half of the first round.

The Titans did draft UCLA pass rusher Oluwafemi Oladejo on Day 2, but they could target help at the position again next year. Bain has the size to fulfill a few different positions for Tennessee, but his production needs to be more of what was seen in 2023 rather than 2024.

Bain (6-3, 275 pounds) is a massive, full-sized edge defender who took the ACC by storm in 2023, earning Freshman All-America accolades after recording 45 pressures and 27 stops for the Canes. He needs to clean up an elevated 26% missed tackle rate, but Bain has a dense frame that is made for the NFL.

GM Adam Peters signed a ton of free agents to help Dan Quinn retool the Commanders defense, but Washington needs to eventually get younger on that side of the ball. Landing Bain is a great way to do that and a tremendous value here, given that he's capable of turning into a top-10 pick with another good season in Coral Gables, Fla.

Bain burst onto the scene as a true freshman two years ago for the Hurricanes and should again be among the ACC's top defensive players in 2025, if he stays healthy.

A defense that ranked last in the NFL in sacks (28) still looks likely to have trouble creating pressure despite adding Milton Williams and Harold Landry III in free agency. By adding Bain, who broke out as a true freshman with 7 ½ sacks before being hampered by a soft-tissue injury, New England could rev up its edge rush to the level that Mike Vrabel will demand.