Giants Eye Reuben Bain Jr. as Potential Game-Changer at Fifth Overall
The New York Giants find themselves at a pivotal moment with the fifth overall pick in the draft. If Kayvon Thibodeaux is moved before draft day, Reuben Bain Jr. emerges as a compelling choice. Not because he’s the flashiest or the safest, but because he’s exactly what defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson needs to complete John Harbaugh's vision for this defense.
Bain Jr. isn’t just another pass rusher with potential. Standing 6'3" and weighing 270 pounds, he was a force at Miami, and his performance against Indiana showcased why NFL teams are eyeing him for the first round.
With 83 pressures, 12 sacks, and 36 tackles, his numbers are more than impressive-they're elite. He’s a player who can set the edge, collapse the pocket, and even slide inside on passing downs.
Filling the Run Defense Gap
The Giants already boast Brian Burns and Abdul Carter in their edge rotation. Burns is fresh off his third Pro Bowl, following one of the best defensive seasons in recent franchise history. Carter, meanwhile, showed promise as a rookie, flashing the kind of athleticism that justified his third overall selection.
But the Giants lack a true run-stopping force on the edge. Thibodeaux has been inconsistent, with a 29% missed tackle rate before last season's shoulder injury. Burns is an elite athlete but an average run defender, and Carter is still developing in that area.
The Giants ranked 25th in the league last season, giving up 133.2 rushing yards per game. You can’t fix that solely with scheme when teams are exploiting the edges. You need players who can hold the line and refuse to give ground.
Bain Jr. was one of college football's best run-defending edge rushers. His Indiana tape reveals his ability to destroy double teams, set a physical edge, and pursue ball carriers with relentless energy-a skill set that translates well to the NFL.
Wilson’s Aggressive System Needs Depth
Wilson’s defensive philosophy is all about aggression. He blitzes, sends pressure from everywhere, and creates one-on-one matchups, demanding his edge rushers win consistently.
Bain Jr.’s 83 pressures weren’t just numbers-they came from a diverse arsenal of moves. His speed-to-power conversions, violent hand usage, and ability to bend around the edge suggest there’s another level waiting for him in the NFL. His 12 sacks were a testament to his technique and power.
Adding Bain Jr. to a rotation with Burns and Carter gives Wilson the depth needed to sustain his aggressive system over a 17-game season. Fresh legs, mismatches, and the return of the NASCAR package-a feared four-man speed rush unit-become possible.
Imagine Bain Jr., Burns, and Carter together on third down, with Dexter Lawrence collapsing the pocket from the inside.
The Thibodeaux Trade Opportunity
Thibodeaux is in the final year of his rookie deal, with his fifth-year option picked up. He played 494 snaps last season before injury, recording 32 pressures and three sacks. His 29% missed tackle rate doesn’t help his extension prospects.
The Giants likely won’t extend him after 2026. If a team offers a second or third-round pick before the draft, Harbaugh should consider it. Thibodeaux has value as a rotational player, but he’s not the foundational piece this defense needs.
Trading him opens the door for Bain Jr. at fifth overall, aligning perfectly with Harbaugh’s vision for a young core that includes Carter, Malik Nabers, and potentially Bain Jr.
Bain Jr.’s Versatility on Third Downs
Here’s the wildcard: Bain Jr. has the size and power to rush from the interior alongside Dexter Lawrence on passing downs. At 270 pounds, with his hand skills and leverage, he can create mismatches against guards unprepared for his athleticism.
Maximizing Bain Jr. means utilizing him in every situation, not just as a two-down player. Wilson’s multiple-front approach allows for this kind of creativity.
Wilson’s emphasis on physicality is clear. He wants defenders who can invade space, set a tone, and refuse to be moved. Bain Jr. embodies this philosophy on every snap, making him an ideal fit for the Giants' evolving defense.