It is well-known that the New Orleans Saints have needs at several key positions. Wide receiver being the most obvious, especially with the emergence of a young quarterback in Tyler Shough. But defensive end is also position that is just as big of a need, if not bigger.
With the potential of Cam Jordan leaving in free agency, the depth at the position would take a significant hit. But even if Jordan were to return, the need would still remain the same. The Saints run a defense that relies on consistent
edge pressure, and the position requires players who can do multiple things—defend the run, rush the passer, and at times even drop into coverage.
The fortunate thing for the Saints is that in this year’s NFL Draft, there are a lot of really good edge players. One player that many people have ranked in the top three at the position is former Hurricane Rueben Bain Jr.
When you watch the tape, he jumps off the screen. He plays with excellent leverage, great power, elite quickness, and strong technique. He can win as a pass rusher with speed and finesse or with pure power. He’s effective against the run, can beat double teams, and consistently generates push against offensive linemen.
When it comes to playing edge, Bain can do it all. If you need him to stand up and rush, he can do that. But when he puts his hand in the dirt and fires off the snap from that stance, it’s truly an art to watch.
Bain came out of high school as a four-star prospect, and it’s safe to say he made an early impact, becoming a starter as a true freshman at the University of Miami in 2023. In his freshman season, he recorded 7.5 sacks along with 12.5 tackles for loss.
His sophomore year was impacted by injury, as he missed the first four games of the year. He finished that season with 3.5 sacks. This past season, however, was by far his best, as he tallied 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.
The headlines surrounding Rueben Bain Jr. right now focus on two things: his arm length and a car accident that tragically resulted in the loss of a young woman’s life. There have been many reports on the details of the accident, but Bain was never charged and only cited for careless driving.
The other concern is his arm length. Bain measured in at the combine with 30-inch arms, while the ideal edge rusher typically has arms around 33 inches. For comparison, other top edge rushers like Arvell Reese and David Bailey measured in at 32.5 inches and 33.75 inches, respectively.
The belief is that shorter arms make it easier for NFL offensive tackles to block defenders. This doesn’t mean that Bain is destined to fail because of his arm length, but it does mean he will need to continue developing and refining his technique.
Now, no one is saying he will become this player, but Aaron Donald had 30-inch arms and even played edge in certain 3-4 packages. And who was the defensive coordinator for the Rams when they won the Super Bowl? If your answer is the current defensive coordinator for the Saints, you would be correct.
That’s right, Brandon Staley is a coach who knows how to maximize a player with that type of build and skill set, having already worked with someone similar.
So, do not be surprised at all If Rueben Bain Jr. falls to No. 8, and the Saints select him. This would be a major addition to the defensive side of the ball and would address a key position of need. It would also still allow the team to target another major need, like wide receiver, in the second round at pick No. 42.
While his arms may not be the prototypical length for an edge rusher, his disruptive ability, quick first step, strong hands, power, and knack for creating chaos behind the line of scrimmage would be a welcome addition to this young and up-and-coming Saints defense.
Arm length can be measured but heart cannot. The tenacity and aggression he brings to the defensive line are traits any team would be happy to have.
