Saints may have already completely shifted their 2026 NFL Draft plan due to Rueben Bain update
The twists of the NFL offseason continue. Following recent reports surrounding projected first-round pick Rueben Bain, teams could look to a different prospect early in this year’s draft. The Miami EDGE rusher was named as a person of interest in a car accident dating back to March 17, 2024, which was first reported by Ollie Connolly […]
The twists of the NFL offseason continue. Following recent reports surrounding projected first-round pick Rueben Bain, teams could look to a different prospect early in this year’s draft.
The Miami EDGE rusher was named as a person of interest in a car accident dating back to March 17, 2024, which was first reported by Ollie Connolly of The Read-Optional Substack, and confirmed by A to Z Sports. That incident also involved Miami linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and UCF Edge Nyjalik Kelly, who were all teammates on the Hurricanes at the time. Destiny Betts, along with one other female passenger, were involved in the accident.
Rueben Bain Jr. situation could affect Saints’ first-round pick
The Saints may have interest in Bain, along with plenty of other teams picking in the top ten. Could this situation affect his draft stock? That seems like it’s been going on behind the scenes since teams learned of the situation.
“Another source from an NFC South team told A to Z Sports that they are also aware of the incident. As of now, they have his name “flipped over on their board”, meaning that he is close to being off the board altogether. There’s the potential that they could consider him with their first round selection, explaining that the talent might be too good to pass up on.” — A to Z Sports
Bain has often been a projected pick for New Orleans in the first round due to his production and mix of pass rush and run stopping ability off the edge, along with the team’s need of another defensive line piece.
The Saints could shift their focus to other options due to this information. That may have already happened, even.
“News: Reuben Bain was cited for careless driving after a March 2024 crash in Miami that left a passenger in a coma. That passenger, a 22-year-old student, died three months later. NFL teams are aware and investigating, per sources.” — Ollie Conn0lly
Overall, it is a situation worth monitoring that may change the course of Kellen Moore’s draft plans. New Orleans may look at addressing their wide receiver need, or a secondary roster hole, instead of taking Bain with a top ten selection.
We’ll see what all parties decide on draft night later this month.
