Rueben Bain Jr.
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University of Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.
The Kansas City Chiefs can stay put at No. 9 in the upcoming NFL draft, let the chips fall where they may and still walk away with a high-end prospect at a premier position of need — or they can get creative and secure the pass rush for years to come by moving up three spots in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns.
How the board falls after the Las Vegas Raiders select quarterback Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall is as hard to read as any draft in recent memory. One thing that is clear, however, is that there is a hierarchy of edge-rushers that includes a top tier of three players — Arvell Reese, David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. — and then everyone else.
The preponderance of mock drafts from experts at national outlets over the past several weeks indicate an early run on the position by the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals at pick Nos. 2 and 3, though it is possible Arizona could land on an offensive tackle in that spot.
But assuming that both players are gone from the proceedings by the time the Tennessee Titans go on the clock at No. 4, any number of scenarios could play out that see Bain land elsewhere before the Chiefs have a chance to select him.
Tennessee is a possibility, though the Titans may not be able to pass up hyper-talented running back Jeremiyah Love and have plenty of need on the offensive line as well.
The New York Giants at No. 5 are one of the few teams in the top half of the draft that don’t need another edge-rusher, which makes the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 a prime trade partner for Kansas City if securing Bain is the goal.
Browns Open to Trading No. 6 Pick in NFL Draft
Cleveland Browns
GettyCleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
The Browns are looking for a wide receiver and an offensive tackle, preferably to play on the left side, with their two first-rounders later this month (Nos. 6 and 24). The Giants could take a WR at No. 5 and the New Orleans Saints might want one at No. 8.
Regardless, one of Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon is almost guaranteed to remain on the board at No. 9. Thus, the Browns can get their man for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and/or whichever rookie signal-caller Cleveland selects in the top 10 in 2027, while also picking up a third-round selection from Kansas City for the trouble of moving down just three spots.
“I don’t know that we’re going to be picking six at the end of April,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said at the annual league meetings. “And if we are picking six, I have no idea what [player] we’re going to take at this point.”
Miami Edge-Rusher Rueben Bain Jr. Built for Immediate Success
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami Hurricanes
GettyEdge-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. of the Miami Hurricanes.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs can forfeit the No. 74 pick to leap ahead of the Washington Commanders at No. 7 and guarantee they land a power rusher in Bain who tallied 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks at Miami last year across the Hurricanes’ run to the national title game.
For his career, which spanned 38 games at Miami, Bain has tallied 33.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception. He also earned All-American honors for his work last season.
Kansas City may not need to trade up to land Bain, but holding out for him at No. 9 is a risk. The Chiefs can also probably get better value on a right tackle and/or a wide receiver at pick Nos. 29 and 40, which they still keep in the proposed trade with Cleveland.