The NFL Draft completely flipped after yesterday’s news. After being projected to be the second overall pick, Oregon Ducks Dante Moore announced he’s staying in school. With Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza expected to be picked first overall, attention now turns to the number two pick. In need of a quarterback, the New York Jets were expected to pick Moore early. While the Peach Bowl loss soured some fans, Dante Moore’s upside is still impressive at only 20 years old. While some assume the news of Moore’s return will push Alabama‘s Ty Simpson to New York, the second pick might be too high. Instead, New York can address a major position of need on defense. If they don’t trade back, Miami Hurricanes DE Rueben Bain Jr. could be the perfect addition to help change New York’s defense.
With Dante Moore Returning, the Jets Should Draft This DE
The quarterback position will generate a lot of attention. However, the key for Aaron Glenn’s New York Jets turning it around is establishing the foundation on defense again. Their defense allowed the seventh most total yards per game allowed last year. Along with the 17th most passing yards per game allowed. The second most points per game, behind only the Dallas Cowboys. However, no stats are more damning than allowing the most passing touchdowns, last in turnover percentage, and turnovers lost. This, of course, is exacerbated by becoming the only team in league history to not have an interception. Yes, you read that correctly. The 2025 New York Jets were the only team all-time to not force a single interception. While the team made the right call on relieving defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. The right hire will help them exponentially. However, they must still add to this roster to help change that.
Entering the week, many expected New York to focus on the other side of the ball. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was routinely projected to be the Jets first pick this year. However, those plans changed drastically after Moore announced his intention to return to the Ducks this fall. However, this could be a blessing in disguise. Despite quarterback being a position of need, there are alternate routes to address the position. Now, New York could focus their efforts by adding an impact player to their defensive line.
The Jets could target Miami Edge Rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
Next Monday, the College Football Playoff will conclude with an action-packed matchup for the NationalChampionship Game. Understandably, Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza will be the talk of the game, making his return to his hometown of Miami before being picked first overall in the spring. However, the future Las Vegas Raiders quarterback won’t be the only Miami native turning heads. His opponent, the Miami Hurricanes are being led by another Miami native, defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.
Rueben Bain Jr. has generated 6.3 pressures per game in the College Football Playoff.
By comparison, Myles Garrett averaged 4.9 pressures/game this season. pic.twitter.com/zdc1YWJXbU
— Underdog (@Underdog) January 9, 2026
Highly sought after as a high school prospect, the Miami native decided to stay local and commit to play for the Hurricanes in December 2022. It didn’t take long for Bain to make an immediate impact. During his freshman season, he made his presence felt with 12.5 tackles for loss, including seven & a half sacks and three forced fumbles. On top of that, he finished with 44 tackles, including 23 solo tackles. Such an effort earned him third-team All-ACC honors and conference defensive rookie of the year.
While desiring to build off the success of his freshman injury, a soft tissue calf injury sidelined him for four games in 2024. He finished that year with three & a half sacks and 23 total tackles. However, now fully recovered, Bain came back stronger than ever in 2025. This year, Bain finished with a career high 46 total tackles, along with a career high eight & a half sacks. The 6’3, 270lbs defensive end was crucial for the Hurricanes success this year. Not only did he win Conference Defensive Player of the Year, but he was also named a Consensus All-American.
Bain Jr. Could Benefit the Jets defense immensely
We are less than 100 days away from the NFL Draft. A lot of things can happen within the coming weeks. Players like safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Arvell Reese from Ohio State can both be viable candidates to be taken second overall. Each would be a massive benefit to areas of need in the secondary and linebacker rooms. However, a fully healthy Rueben Bain Jr can unlock so much of the Jets defense.
Rueben Bain on actual dropback pass rush opportunities last night.
16 rush snaps
43.8% win rate
31.3% pressure rate
1 sack, 1 hit, 5 pressuresWas so disruptive that they started having QB do quick game from gun and just hang out 6 yards deep, and he still got the corner. pic.twitter.com/nuVykaunkS
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) September 1, 2025
Possessing an explosive first step and a versatile array of technical moves, Bain has a great ability to get after the quarterback and disrupt plays. While some will try to discredit his arm length, the strength he utilizes to beat offensive linemen is nothing short of impressive. In addition to his ability to pass rush, he’s been formidable against the run. This season, new Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman has even utilized Bain on the interior to win against guards. The versatility to play both on the edge and kick into the interior is huge for whoever drafts him.
Specifically on the Jets, Bain would instantly become the strongside edge rusher. His strength and motor make him a great matchup against left tackles. Adding Bain to the defensive line can also greatly improve the chance to generate turnovers. Pairing Bain with defensive tackle Jowon Briggs on the interior creates a havoc-causing pass rush duo on both the interior and against tackles. Not to mention, it can allow for Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald to rotate in and out more efficiently. While they are beloved by the team, Johnson and McDonald are more specialists than every down edge rushers. They can rotate Johnson in to stop the run, and McDonald to be a pass rush specialist.
#Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. finished with a game-high 6 pressures against Ohio State and showcased his violent hands and relentless motor as a pass rusher and run defender in their big upset win over the Buckeyes.
Most impactful EDGE player in the draft. Don't overthink him. pic.twitter.com/WqoPQ8MrT4
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 1, 2026
Special Connection to the Jets already
Besides being an outstanding player, Rueben Bain Jr. has also benefited from the mentorship of his position coach in Miami. Someone Jets fans are well familiar with. During his freshman season, the Hurricanes brought on Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor to coach the defensive line. While playing a majority of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins, Taylor played for the Jets in 2010. During that season, Taylor became top 10 in career sacks, as well as help lead New York to the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, he’s utilizing his 15 years of experience developing the next generation of pass rushers like Bain.
Along with Taylor himself, Jason’s son, starting tight end Mason Taylor was the Jets’ second-round pick in the draft last season. In addition, the Jets still have former Hurricanes defensive lineman and 2025 fifth-round pick Tyler Baron on the roster. Taylor’s history with the organization and Baron’s time as Bain’s teammate give New York a unique advantage to assess Bain’s fit on the roster. With a great NFL Combine performance, this could set New York up to be the perfect spot for the Hurricanes defensive end.
Main Photo: [Jerome Miron] – Imagn Images
