For months, it felt like every Tennessee Titans 2026 NFL Mock Draft had the team choosing Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. in the top five. That narrative began losing momentum in December. Prominent draft analysts began questioning Bain's true value at the next level due to arm length and positional value questions.
The Titans are entering Sunday's Week 18 finale slated to own the No. 4 overall selection according to the real-time NFL Draft order. Mike Borgonzi will almost certainly prioritize a pass rusher or wide receiver with his first-round pick.
If Bain was believed to no longer be in play for the Titans, that possibly changed earlier this week. Bain was electric throughout Miami's College Football Playoff upset over Ohio State. The potential top-five prospect just sent a clear warning message the Titans can't ignore.
Rueben Bain Jr. sends Titans a warning message ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
Miami stunned Ohio State by defeating them 24-14 to advance to the CFP Semifinal. The disruption caused by Bain and his defensive line teammates is a big reason why. Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin was sacked on five occasions and threw two interceptions. Ryan Day's offense rushed for just 45 net yards.
Bain was credited with one sack, two tackles for loss, and four total tackles. He routinely dominated the line of scrimmage and freed up his teammates to make their own statistical impacts. Arm length and positional questions to boot, Bain performed like a high-end draft prospect the Titans need to seriously consider.
The Titans will be in the market for a dominant pass rusher this offseason. Though they've recorded a respectable 40 sacks, it's mostly been the result of Jeffery Simmons' dominance and Dennard Wilson's ability to scheme up pressure. The Titans don't have any starting-caliber defensive ends under contract through next season.
The Titans must evaluate Bain closely throughout the pre-draft process. If they agree with some scouts that his arm length makes him an interior defender, they probably won't be interested on the account they have Simmons and T'Vondre Sweat playing inside. Bain continues hushing his critics, and the Titans better be paying attention.