Rueben Bain Jr. projected to join Saints in 2026 NFL Draft redo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 10:25 PM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
In a hypothetical 2026 NFL Draft redo, Rueben Bain Jr. would have been selected by the New Orleans Saints with the eighth overall pick, as projected by Sports Illustrated. Originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 15, Bain was seen as a top edge rushing prospect but slid due to concerns over his arm length. The Saints, who initially chose wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, would have benefitted from Bain's skills to strengthen their defensive line. Bain has impressed since joining the Buccaneers, drawing praise for his football intelligence and adaptability as a rookie. This projection highlights what could have been for both teams in the NFC South.
- •Rueben Bain Jr. projected to be picked by Saints in draft redo
- •Buccaneers originally selected Bain at No. 15 overall
- •Saints chose wide receiver Jordyn Tyson instead of Bain
- •Bain praised for football IQ and adaptability in Tampa
- •Projection emphasizes missed opportunity for Saints in draft
- 10:25 PMYahoo Sports — Bucs' Rueben Bain Jr. stays in the NFC South in 2026 NFL Draft redo
- 9:25 PMYahoo Sports — Bucs land Rueben Bain Jr.'s teammate in 2026 NFL Draft redo
"Sports Illustrated's 2026 NFL Draft redo has the Buccaneers selecting Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor instead of Rueben Bain Jr.
"Sports Illustrated's 2026 NFL Draft redo sends Rueben Bain Jr. to the Saints instead of the Buccaneers.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 10:25 PMBucs' Rueben Bain Jr. stays in the NFC South in 2026 NFL Draft redo
Sports Illustrated's 2026 NFL Draft redo sends Rueben Bain Jr. to the Saints instead of the Buccaneers.
- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 9:25 PMBucs land Rueben Bain Jr.'s teammate in 2026 NFL Draft redo
Sports Illustrated's 2026 NFL Draft redo has the Buccaneers selecting Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor instead of Rueben Bain Jr.
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