3 Teams That Could Draft Rueben Bain Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft

Which teams could take Miami Hurricanes superstar Rueben Bain Jr. in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft?

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:37am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with sharp planes of vibrant colors representing the player's explosive movements on the field.A cubist interpretation of Miami Hurricanes star Rueben Bain Jr. showcases the defensive end's raw athleticism and power, despite his draft stock sliding.Indianapolis Today

Rueben Bain Jr., the standout defensive end for the Miami Hurricanes, is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, his draft stock has slipped in recent months, and he may now be available outside the top 10 picks. This article examines three teams that could potentially select Bain Jr. in the 2026 draft: the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Why it matters

Bain Jr. is a highly talented defensive player who could make a significant impact on whichever team drafts him. As his draft stock has fallen, it presents an opportunity for teams to potentially get a top-tier prospect at a lower-than-expected draft position. The teams mentioned in the article have varying needs on defense and could benefit greatly from adding Bain Jr. to their roster.

The details

The article highlights Bain Jr.'s dominant performance during the College Football Playoff, where he gave opposing offenses fits. However, his draft stock has since slipped, potentially due to factors such as the overall strength of the 2026 draft class. The Chiefs, Eagles, and Bengals are identified as teams that could capitalize on Bain Jr.'s slide and select him in the 2026 draft.

  • Bain Jr. had a standout performance during the College Football Playoff in 2025.
  • Bain Jr. is now projected to be drafted outside the top 10 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive end for the Miami Hurricanes who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but has seen his draft stock slip in recent months.

Fernando Mendoza

The quarterback for the Indiana team that faced off against Bain Jr. and the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff finale.

Joe Burrow

The quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who are in need of defensive talent to help the team return to the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“During the College Football Playoff, Fernando Mendoza might have won the war, but many of those battles before the trophy was raised were conquered by one man on the Miami Hurricanes: Rueben Bain Jr.”

— Tyler Erzberger, Author

What’s next

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, it will be interesting to see if Bain Jr.'s draft stock continues to slide and if the Chiefs, Eagles, or Bengals decide to make a move to select him.

The takeaway

Rueben Bain Jr. is a highly talented defensive prospect who could provide a significant boost to whichever team drafts him in 2026. The fact that his draft stock has slipped presents an opportunity for teams like the Chiefs, Eagles, and Bengals to potentially land a top-tier talent at a lower-than-expected draft position.