The New Orleans Saints are looking to leap to being an NFC South contender in 2026 now that they've found their franchise quarterback in Tyler Shough.
Their offseason moves have been indicative of such, but those moves focused on the offensive side of the ball with Travis Etienne Jr., David Edwards, and Noah Fant as the biggest additions. But the team now needs to add some defense.
That's why ESPN's Peter Schrager, in his latest mock draft, based on what he's hearing around the NFL, has the Saints drafting a 9.5-sack edge rusher out of Miami in Ruben Bain Jr. with the eighth overall pick.
Saints projected to draft Ruben Bain Jr. 8th overall
"New Orleans said farewell to many defensive leaders this offseason," Schrarger writes, "as Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, and Alontae Taylor will all likely be elsewhere next season (Jordan is still a free agent). And short-arms be damned; the powerful and disruptive Bain is viewed as a top-10-worthy prospect after a 9.5 sack season. This seems like a good match."
While Jordan technically hasn't been signed elsewhere, there is a very likely chance that the star veteran edge rusher lands with a new team on a free agent deal as the Saints look to make the transition to the future.
With the eighth overall pick, the Saints could go for an edge rusher like Bain, or they could take a swing and draft a wide receiver like Carnell Tate out of Ohio State.
But, this mock draft from Schrarger has the Saints passing on Tate and all of the wide receivers in this year's draft to take Bain, an edge rusher who could go number two overall, and it would not be a surprise.
More: Ruben Bain Jr. named perfect draft pick for Saints with eighth pick
Last season, he had 9.5 sacks for the Miami Hurricanes in their run to the National Championship. Bain was one of the more disruptive pass rushers in the country last year.
New Orleans might have some other needs, but adding someone as good as Bain would be more than just a fun addition; he'd immediately replace Jordan along the defensive line with a young edge rusher who can be a true game-wrecker.
If the Saints don't go for a top wide receiver, adding Bain would be their best option. Schrarger projects the Saints to take Bain, which would be a fun pickup for the defensive side of the ball after some major turnover.
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