The Tennessee Titans have made their move. With the hiring of Robert Saleh as their new head coach, the franchise finally steps off the wild ride that was the 2026 NFL coaching carousel. It’s a pivotal moment for a team in transition-new leadership at the top, and now, all eyes turn to what comes next: building the roster.
That starts with the NFL Draft, where the Titans hold the No. 4 overall pick. It’s a premium spot, and one that opens up a lot of possibilities.
But if you take a look at the shape of this draft class, the Titans’ current roster needs, and the fact that they just brought in a defensive-minded head coach in Saleh, it’s hard not to connect the dots. Everything points toward Tennessee targeting a pass rusher with that top-five selection.
Now, let’s be clear-it’s still early in the process. Draft boards are fluid, and we’re months away from hearing names called in Detroit.
But the top of this year’s class is loaded with defensive talent, particularly off the edge. That’s where the value is, and it just so happens to line up with a major area of need for the Titans.
There are three edge rushers consistently projected in that upper tier of the 2026 draft class. Depending on how evaluators feel about one standout from Ohio State, that number might be closer to two. But one name is quickly separating from the pack: Rueben Bain Jr., the explosive edge rusher out of Miami.
Bain didn’t just have a good postseason-he dominated. His performance in the College Football Playoff turned heads across the league, and his draft stock is surging because of it.
He’s checking all the boxes you want in a top-tier pass rusher: burst off the line, violent hands, relentless motor. He’s the kind of player who can tilt the field and change the complexion of a defense.
For the Titans, who are trying to re-establish a defensive identity under Saleh, Bain’s rise couldn’t come at a better time. They’ve got the draft capital.
They’ve got the need. And now, they might just have the perfect fit staring them in the face.
We’ll see how things shake out over the coming months-pro days, combine workouts, team interviews-but if Bain continues on this trajectory, don’t be surprised if his name is called early. Very early. And if it’s Tennessee making that call, it could be the first big step in reshaping a defense that’s long overdue for a resurgence.