Though the 2026 NFL Draft class isn't considered as deep to previous classes, this year's pool of prospects still has top-end talent, especially on the defensive side.
One of the top defensive players on the board is Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr., who willed the Hurricanes to the College Football Playoff national championship game with his athleticism and explosiveness off the edge alongside Akheem Mesidor.
The defensive wrecker racked up a career-high 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, and 9.5 sacks in 16 games last year, earning him ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Ted Hendricks Award honors.
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Bain checks in as the ninth-best overall prospect in this year's draft class by USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly. He is also projected to go No. 12 overall to the Dallas Cowboys in USA TODAY Sports' latest NFL mock draft.
For all Bain's production on the field, one measurement taken at the NFL combine last month has given some analysts pause on whether he can truly be elite — and whether it will cost him in the NFL draft.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)