Saints 'Ideal' but Realistic No. 8 Pick is 9.5 Edge to Replace Cameron Jordan

Ruben Bain Jr. could be the perfect draft selection for New Orleans at No. 8 overall.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a football player rushing the passer, with sharp planes of navy blue, gold, and white representing the New Orleans Saints' team colors.A cubist interpretation of a Saints edge rusher's explosive pass rush technique, hinting at the team's need to find a long-term replacement for aging star Cameron Jordan.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints own the eighth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and have a few different routes they could go down with this top draft selection. While wide receiver is a big need, edge rusher might be the next biggest need, and NFL.com's James Reber named Miami Hurricanes 9.5 sack edge rusher Ruben Bain Jr. as the 'ideal' but realistic pick for the Saints at No. 8 overall.

Why it matters

Even if Saints veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan ultimately returns, New Orleans will need to look to the future on the defensive line, and Bain could be the best analogue for Jordan in the draft. Bain has been sliding down some draft boards lately, so he could fall right into the Saints' lap at No. 8 and be a perfect fit.

The details

Bain is 6-foot-2, 263 pounds, and would be a nice pass rusher to add to the defensive line as both a short-term and long-term replacement for Jordan. Bain had 9.5 sacks last season and dominated with impressive pass rush upside and dominance against good offensive linemen.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Ruben Bain Jr.

A 9.5 sack edge rusher from the Miami Hurricanes who could be an ideal replacement for Saints veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan.

Cameron Jordan

The 36-year-old veteran defensive end for the New Orleans Saints who may be nearing the end of his career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Even if the 36-year-old ultimately returns, New Orleans will need to look to the future on the D-line, and the best analogue for Jordan in the draft is Bain.”

— James Reber, NFL.com writer

What’s next

The Saints will have to wait until the 2026 NFL Draft in April to see if Ruben Bain Jr. falls to them at the No. 8 overall pick.

The takeaway

Selecting Ruben Bain Jr. with the eighth overall pick would be an ideal choice for the Saints, as he could serve as both a short-term and long-term replacement for the aging Cameron Jordan on the defensive line. Bain's impressive pass rushing ability and potential make him a realistic but 'ideal' target for New Orleans in the upcoming draft.