Every NFL team has a dream scenario in the upcoming draft. For the New Orleans Saints, it might just be that Miami edge defender Rueben Bain Jr. falls to them at eight. The duo of Chase Young and Bain would set the Saints up nice for years to come, and the trio of Young, Bain and Cam Jordan sets an exciting floor and ceiling for the Saints' pass rush in 2026.
At least, that's what Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine thinks. Calling it an easy decision, he says that it'd be their dream come true, mainly to replace Cameron Jordan. However, the status of the future Ring of Honor member doesn't affect the reverie that Bain Jr. brings. If he's available when they're on the clock, they shouldn't hesitate to select him.
The 2025 consensus All-American has the potential to be a pillar of the New Orleans defense for the decade. Their defense is an exact match for him, as their value of pass-rush ingenuity is what Bain Jr. can thrive in. His size might be on the smaller end, but that's something that he never let show on his game film.
The Saints' dream scenario is having Rueben Bain Jr. and Cam Jordan at the same time
The Saints' dream scenario is honestly having Rueban Bain Jr. and Cam Jordan on the same team. There, he could learn a thing or two from one of the greatest to ever play his position. A unique opportunity for anyone, Bain Jr.'s chances of being a bust go down if the veteran is on the team.
There's also less pressure to step in and be an impact player immediately if the Saints bring back Jordan. Young is solidified as one edge rusher. Bain will play most of the snaps opposite of him, but including Jordan in the rotation gives another reliable player in the rotation.
Furthermore, Jordan could show Bain Jr. how to get to the quarterback in the NFL. Some scouts believe his college success will struggle to translate to the pros due to his 30 7/8" arm length. Learning from someone who leads a team in sacks all-time is bound to be a recipe for success, no matter how short Bain Jr.''s arms are.
Then there's the prospect of having both of them on the field at the same time. Jordan is coming off of his seventh double-digit sack season, and Bain Jr. was one of the fiercest pass rushers and run stoppers in all of college football last year. Being able to do both makes Jordan a great mentor for Bain Jr.
Bain Jr. could also learn how to gel with the city from Jordan, who does seemingly endless work in the community. Then once Jordan hangs up his cleats, Bain Jr. will be ultra-prepared to be one of the faces of the defense.