Coaching hires often say as much about the future as they do the present, and with the Tennessee Titans bringing in Robert Saleh, they didn’t just add a respected defensive mind. They signaled a philosophical direction after two seasons of turmoil for the franchise.
Saleh’s defenses have always been built around relentless edge pressure, speed, and disruption up front. That much was evident throughout his stints as defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers and head coach of the New York Jets. With the Titans holding the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, that identity matters, and it may already be pointing toward one clear name: University of Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
Saleh's defensive blueprint has never been subtle, as his units thrive when the front four dictates the game. Applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks is foundational for his defensive schemes. That context makes the Titans’ draft position especially intriguing.
Why Robert Saleh and Rueben Bain Jr. feel like a natural match
Sitting at No. 4 overall gives Tennessee rare access to elite defensive talent, and Bain Jr. fits the profile Saleh will likely prioritize for a team needing help in that department. Bain Jr. brings the blend Saleh covets with explosive first-step quickness, violent hands, and the ability to collapse the pocket without needing extra help.
At Miami, his disruptive nature was on full display in their run to the National Championship Game. Despite their loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the title game, Bain Jr. finished his collegiate career with eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack in their six-point defeat. Simply put, he forces offenses to adjust protections, slide help, and alter play calls, which is the kind of influence that Saleh builds around.
The Titans’ current roster also strengthens the case. While there are promising pieces on the edge, there isn’t a long-term cornerstone that consistently tilts the field. Drafting Bain Jr. would give Saleh a foundational defender to anchor his system for years and the perfect tag team partner for All-Pro interior defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.
Edge rusher is both a premium position and a scheme driver, and pairing Saleh’s vision with Bain Jr.’s skill set aligns timeline, philosophy, and value. Nothing is official as it’s January and Saleh was just hired, but draft conversations often start with coaching tendencies. If the Titans are serious about building a defense in Saleh’s image, Rueben Bain Jr. may already be the plan.