Jets Face Crucial Decision at No. 2: Is Rueben Bain the Right Fit or a Risky Reach?
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, the New York Jets find themselves staring down a pivotal decision at No. 2 overall. Fernando Mendoza appears locked in as the top pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Dante Moore’s return to Oregon takes another high-profile quarterback off the board. That leaves the Jets in a familiar - and uncomfortable - position: a high draft pick, multiple roster needs, and no obvious slam dunk.
One name that keeps surfacing in connection with Gang Green is Miami defensive end Rueben Bain. At the start of the 2025 college season, Bain was being talked about as a potential No. 1 overall pick. He’s still widely considered one of the top edge rushers in this class - but not everyone is sold on whether his game translates at the next level.
According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, Bain may be more hype than substance. Gagnon included Bain on a list of players likely to be overdrafted, raising concerns about his physical traits and long-term upside.
“This is one of those situations in which you wonder if a prospect has just been in the public consciousness for so long that it's a given he'll become an NFL star,” Gagnon wrote. “He still lacks speed and length, which can't be developed.
But as 'a name' at a premium position, someone will likely reach for him in the top six, especially with an expected run on edges up there.”
That’s a tough critique - but it’s not without merit. Bain’s production at Miami was undeniably strong: 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and even an interception.
He was a disruptive force all year long and played a key role in helping the Hurricanes reach the National Championship Game. But NFL scouts are still debating where exactly he fits at the pro level.
The biggest question? His position.
Some evaluators see him as a traditional edge rusher, while others think he’s better suited as a 3-technique who lines up inside. That kind of positional ambiguity can make teams nervous, especially when you're talking about using a top-two pick.
And in a draft class loaded with pass-rushing talent, the Jets may not need to reach for a player who doesn’t check every box.
That said, New York could absolutely use help in the pass rush department. The Jets managed just 26 sacks last season - near the bottom of the league - and that lack of pressure put a ton of strain on their secondary.
Bain, at his best, could help fix that. He’s got a relentless motor, a knack for finding the football, and the kind of college résumé that usually gets GMs excited.
But does he have the physical tools to dominate NFL tackles off the edge? That’s the million-dollar question.
There’s also the matter of draft strategy. With so many holes to fill - offensive line, wide receiver, and yes, edge rusher - trading down might be the smartest play.
The Jets could stockpile picks, address multiple needs, and still land a quality pass rusher later in the first round. This draft class is deep enough at the position to make that a real option.
Bottom line: Rueben Bain is a name to watch, but the Jets need to be careful not to fall in love with the idea of a player rather than the reality. He’s got upside, no doubt.
But at No. 2 overall, you want more than potential - you want a cornerstone. Whether Bain can be that guy remains up for debate.
The Jets are on the clock, and how they handle this pick could shape the franchise for years to come.