The Super Bowl is right around the corner, but that also means for most teams in the NFL, preparation for the NFL Draft has begun in earnest. If your team did not qualify for the postseason, you know their draft position, as the rest of the first round will be determined by the NFL playoffs.
One of the players who should be a hot commodity is Miami Hurricanes’ pass rusher, Rueben Bain Jr. He already has had a massive game in the playoffs against the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he continuously wreaked havoc in their backfield. When he turns pro, he should be one of the first defensive players selected.
The PFSN Mock Draft Simulator saw his stock rise with an average draft position of 6.3. The draft is fluid, and of course, some positions get over-drafted, but with that draft position in mind, here are five potential suitors for Miami’s star.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are set to pick fourth in the first round after a rough season that resulted in their head coach getting fired before the season ended. He will need to find a new coach, and the route they go on that front could influence their choice in the first round.
Regardless, the Titans are fortunate not to be in the quarterback market, having selected Cam Ward with the first overall pick a season ago. Ward flashed some high-end talent in his first season, which means the Titans could go a multitude of routes in the first round.
Bain Jr. would give the Titans an instant impact player as a pass rusher, whether he stays on the edge or, as some have speculated, could benefit by moving inside at the next level. With the bend that Bain Jr. flashed in the Hurricanes’ quarterfinal win over Ohio State, the bet here is that whatever team drafts him will make him an edge rusher.
The Titans’ defense requires more high-end players, and adding someone to their front next to star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons would be beneficial. With Bain’s average position in the mock draft simulator falling in the top-6, Tennessee could be a prime landing spot for him.
Miami Dolphins
Speaking of teams that need more high-end players, the Miami Dolphins certainly qualify. They are likely starting over at the quarterback position as well, but it’s yet to be determined how they’ll proceed at that route.
With Jeff Hafley taking over as the new head coach, Miami’s defense is expected to take the next step. The Dolphins shook up their locker room at the trade deadline when they moved Jaelen Phillips to Philadelphia for a third-round pick.
Bradley Chubb is aging and expensive. Chop Robinson was the team’s first-round pick two offseasons ago. Adding Bain Jr. could give the Dolphins potential for a dynamic pass rush in 2026, while also being a potential replacement for Chubb should the team decide to move on.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders were one of the most disappointing teams in 2025 for several reasons.
After playing for the NFC Championship a season ago, the Commanders simply never found their footing in 2025. Injuries to Jayden Daniels were certainly a reason for that, but Washington’s defense needs some juice added to it as well.
Dan Quinn took over defensive play-calling duties midseason, and the Commanders are now set to replace both of their coordinators. Washington’s best pass rusher, who finished the season, was Von Miller, who is 36 years old.
Washington needs to look to the future. Bain Jr. would be somebody who could help their pass rush immediately in a division with three offenses that look to be high-powered heading into the 2026 season.
Kansas City Chiefs
In an everyday world, the Chiefs would not be anywhere near a position to be able to add someone like Bain Jr. This year, however, was the year everything went off the rails for the defending three-time AFC champions.
Patrick Mahomes was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Their offense struggled for most of the year, and they were unable to win close games as they had the previous season. The good news is that Mahomes is in place, and it looks like he could return sooner rather than later in 2026.
That puts the Chiefs ahead of the curve as they attempt to retool their roster around an aging team. Their defensive line is something that could use a bit of a facelift as Chris Jones continues to age. Part of the appeal to Jones was his ability to move both inside and play on the edge in obvious passing situations.
Bain Jr. is another player who could fit that role. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the combine. Still, if he’s able to play inside in some passing situations while also playing defensive end, the Chiefs are likely to value that type of positional versatility.
Dallas Cowboys
Is there a team that needs a young pass rusher more than the Dallas Cowboys? Dallas had one, but traded Micah Parsons before the season began. They spent the entire season trying to patchwork their pass rush, but did not find their footing, which ultimately cost defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus his job.
The Cowboys are going to find a new defensive coordinator, but regardless of who that is, they need help on the edge. The interior of Dallas’ defensive line is in a good spot after the trade for Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline.
One issue for the team would be where they’re picking. The Cowboys are currently set to pick 12th in the first round, with another draft slot to be determined depending on how the Green Bay Packers finish their season.
This might require a small move up the draft board, but Jerry Jones has never been shy about making a splash move. Plus, old friend Michael Irvin has seen Bain Jr. up close and personal in both of Miami’s playoff games.
Rueben Bain Jr.’s Scouting Report
Rueben Bain Jr. has been a disruptive defender for as long as he’s been on the college football circuit. After joining the Hurricanes as a four-star recruit, Bain racked up 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in his true freshman campaign.
Bain’s sophomore season was less productive, but he was nursing a calf injury, and he bounced back as a junior with 8.5 sacks. At 275 pounds, Bain has a rare body type for the position, with elite compact mass and natural leverage, and he’s an easy accelerator with awesome raw hand power.
While power is his primary mode, he has a deep pass-rush bag and smooth upper-lower synergy, superb strength, IQ, and pursuit range in run defense, and surprising flexibility as a finisher.
