The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching fast and league scouts are solidifying their big boards. Defensive Lineman Rueben Bain Jr. could be among the players who hear their name called early in Pittsburgh this week when the NFL welcomes its newest class of rookies.
USA TODAY Sports has all the latest on where the prospect out of Miami (FL) may land.
Here's how USA TODAY's latest mock draft currently projects draft day will play out for the former college star.
Jones covets Styles, per reports, but almost certainly cant expect him to fall here. But barring an aggressive move up, the Cowboys almost surely have to do something else to redress the D, Dallas failing to play "a lick of defense" in 2025, per Jones. Bain's T-rex limbs didnt stop him from being extremely productive often against NFL-caliber offensive tackles for the Canes. He bulled his way to 9 sacks and 15 TFLs last season and was a menace during the College Football Playoff. Hes also a high-motor player who could play extensively opposite recently acquired Rashan Gary in Dallas new 3-4 front while potentially allowing Donovan Ezeiruakus snaps to be more focused on passing downs when Bain could rush from the interior.
Bain stepped up in the College Football Playoff and that improved his stock. At 6-foot-2 and 263 pounds, his physicality and power will fit in at the NFL level immediately. He wasn't as productive numbers-wise as you'd like from a top-10 pick and his arm length may force him inside long-term. But he has the makings of a high-end No. 2 pass rusher.
You have to wonder about the effect of the news that Bain was the driver of a vehicle involved in a 2024 auto accident that led to the death of a 22-year-old woman and cited for careless driving. NFL teams apparently were aware of this even if it was kept out of the news until recently. Add the concern over Bain's arm length and he likely has fallen out of the top 10.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place between April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
Time: 8 p.m. ET (Round 1); 7 p.m. ET (Rounds 2-3); Noon ET (Rounds 4-7)
Streaming: NFL+; ESPN Unlimited & Select; Fubo
Fans have several options to choose from to watch the 2026 NFL Draft. NFL Network and ESPN will have separate broadcasts, each providing a different analysis of each pick as it happens on draft night.
Cord-cutters can stream the different broadcasts on NFL+, the NFL's proprietary streaming service; ESPN Select or ESPN Unlimited, ESPN's streaming services; or cable alternative Fubo , which offers a free trial.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rueben Bain Jr. 2026 NFL mock draft: latest prediction for Miami (FL) Defensive Lineman