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Rueben Bain Jr. could be the missing thunder to Aidan Hutchinson’s lightning
If you’re a Detroit Lions fan, you probably already know the drill: Aidan Hutchinson dominates, and… well, the guy on the other side tries his best. That could change soon — and maybe drastically.
According to early 2025 NFL Draft buzz, the Lions are being linked to one of the most exciting edge rushers in college football: Rueben Bain Jr. from the University of Miami. After several stopgap signings and short-lived experiments at edge, Detroit may finally be ready to find Hutchinson a long-term pass-rushing partner.
A Familiar Search with a New Name
Since snagging Hutchinson at No. 2 overall in 2022, Detroit has spent considerable energy trying to complement his relentless presence. They’ve dipped into the draft, trades, and free agency, but none of the additions have provided the consistent punch needed opposite the All-Pro.
Now, Joe DeLeone of Pro Football Network believes Rueben Bain Jr. could end that search. “[Bain] battled through injuries in 2024 and looks to return to his freshman-year form,” he noted, pointing out Bain’s “physical rushing style and high motor” as ideal traits to line up across from Hutch.
What Makes Bain a “Stud”?
It’s not just one scout’s hunch. Mark Morales-Smith of SI.com emphasized Bain’s upside:
“He’s 6’3, 275 pounds, long and explosive with an ability to dominate as a pass rusher and also defend the run well.”
That size/speed combo is the stuff pass-rushing coaches dream about. While a calf injury limited him last year, Bain’s freshman tape shows a player who could easily climb into the top-10 conversation with a strong bounce-back season.
Plan A or Plan B?
Of course, there’s a lot of football to be played between now and April 2026, and the Lions aren’t exactly short on options in the near term. Colton Pouncy of The Athletic floated the possibility of bringing back Za’Darius Smith, who led the team in sacks late last season after arriving mid-year.
“The longer Smith goes unsigned, the more I wonder if the Lions are letting him take his time,” Pouncy mused, hinting at a slow-play strategy from GM Brad Holmes — much like their eventual deal with C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Smith could provide a short-term solution, but the Lions appear ready to look long-term. Bain, if he fulfills his freshman-year promise, could be exactly that.
Looking Ahead
So, will Bain and Hutchinson become the next elite edge duo? Too early to tell. But the Lions’ intent is clear: if you want to win big in the NFC, you need two monsters coming off the edge.
And if Rueben Bain Jr. stays healthy and produces, don’t be surprised when Detroit fans start Photoshopping him into Honolulu blue.