Saints Land Steal in Bain Jr. in NFL Draft

Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. projected as top Saints pick

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:53am

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In a 7-round mock draft, the New Orleans Saints are projected to land Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. as a steal in the upcoming NFL Draft. Bain Jr. is expected to be a key addition to the Saints' defensive line.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to bolster their defense through the draft after a disappointing 2025 season. Bain Jr. is seen as a high-value pick who could make an immediate impact and help the Saints return to the playoffs.

The details

Rueben Bain Jr. is a 6'2", 290-pound defensive tackle out of the University of Miami. He is projected to be available in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, making him a potential steal for the Saints, who hold the 48th overall pick in the second round.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive lineman from the University of Miami who is projected as a potential mid-to-late round steal for the New Orleans Saints in the upcoming NFL Draft.

New Orleans Saints

An NFL team based in New Orleans, Louisiana that is looking to bolster its defense through the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Bain Jr. is the perfect fit for the Saints' defensive scheme and could be an immediate contributor as a run-stuffing tackle.”

— NFL Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Saints will look to address their defensive needs in the upcoming NFL Draft, with Rueben Bain Jr. being a potential target in the mid-to-late rounds.

The takeaway

The Saints have an opportunity to land a high-value defensive lineman in Rueben Bain Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft, which could be a key addition to help the team bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.