By Moses Joshua 
Rueben Bain Jr. Headlines Bold Defensive Strategy in Early Draft Projection
Targeting the Trenches: Why Detroit’s Next Star May Be a Cane
The Detroit Lions have evolved into one of the NFL’s most complete and dangerous teams, built on a foundation of savvy drafting and unshakable culture under Dan Campbell. But no matter how stacked a roster may look on paper, NFL rosters are always under construction—especially when it comes to the defensive line.
In NFL Mocks’ latest 2026 mock draft, Detroit is projected to address a quietly lingering need with a name that could turn heads next spring: Rueben Bain Jr., defensive end out of the University of Miami.
The EDGE Question Looms for Detroit
The Lions’ edge rusher situation heading into the 2025 season is promising but not without concern. Aidan Hutchinson returns from a serious leg injury, and while Marcus Davenport offers a strong veteran presence when healthy, durability questions remain. The team may still bring back Za’Darius Smith, who provided a veteran boost during the 2024 campaign—but that door is still open.
Enter Rueben Bain Jr., a player with all the traits Detroit covets. At 275 pounds with elite burst and power, Bain has the physical makeup to fit seamlessly into Aaron Glenn’s aggressive defensive scheme—or whatever hybrid version unfolds under new leadership.
NFL Mocks analyst John Blair summed up Bain’s potential perfectly:
“He made a big splash in 2023, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. His 2024 season was a bit of a disappointment due to injuries, but Bain still fits the mold of the bigger, physical edge rusher Dan Campbell likes. If he returns to form, he could be one of the top defensive ends in this class.”
Detroit’s Draft DNA: High-Upside, Hard-Nosed Football
The Lions’ recent draft history paints a clear picture: they invest in high-ceiling, culture-fit players who may not always have the flashiest rankings but consistently outperform expectations. From Penei Sewell to Brian Branch and now Tate Ratledge, Detroit’s war room prioritizes toughness, positional need, and long-term development potential.
Rueben Bain checks all three boxes.
And if the Lions remain one of the NFC’s top contenders in 2025—as many project—they’ll again be drafting in the late first round, right in the sweet spot for value picks like Bain.
Other Names to Watch
Bain isn’t the only intriguing prospect linked to Detroit in this early forecast. Other names mentioned by Blair include:
- Anthony Smith (DE, Minnesota) – A raw but athletic pass rusher with untapped potential
- Tony Rojas (LB, Penn State) – A sideline-to-sideline linebacker with playmaking instincts
- Ar’maj Reed-Adams (G, Texas) – A road-grading interior lineman to bolster the post-Ragnow era
- Sam Leavitt (QB, Arizona State) – A developmental passer who could provide valuable depth behind Jared Goff
Final Thoughts: A Smart Look Ahead
While a lot can change between now and April 2026, one thing remains consistent: the Lions are playing the long game. Adding another young, disruptive force on the edge would further cement a defense built to last—and Rueben Bain Jr. may be the perfect addition to help this rising contender reach the NFL’s ultimate stage.
If Bain is still available when Detroit is on the clock, don’t be surprised if Brad Holmes doesn’t hesitate to call his name.