Rueben Bain Jr. Is the Most Interesting Player in the 2026 Draft — And the Eagles Should Be Watching

A Bad QB Class Opens the Door

The 2026 NFL Draft does not have a franchise quarterback at the top. That's going to change the entire dynamic of the first round, pushing non-QB talent up the board and creating opportunities for teams picking in the 20s — like the Eagles — to get premium players.

For a team that needs to address the offensive line, potentially replace a wide receiver, and continue building the defensive front, this draft class could be a goldmine in the right spots.

Rueben Bain Jr. Can Just Play

The most interesting player in this draft class might be Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. He's got short arms — which is typically a red flag for edge rushers at the next level — but some players simply overcome physical limitations through sheer talent and motor.

The Aaron Donald comparison is relevant here: different position, but the same pre-draft concerns about size. Donald was the best player in that draft, and the "too small" crowd was dead wrong. Sometimes you watch a player and you just know — this kid can play at any level.

Bain could be a top-five pick. At worst, he's top 10. The Eagles won't have a shot at him at 23, but if they believe in him strongly enough, Howie Roseman has shown he's willing to trade up aggressively for the right player.

Where's the Depth?

According to scouting reports heading into the NFL Combine, the deepest position groups in this draft are:

**Wide Receiver:** An absurd 17 receivers in Dane Brugler's top 100. The production factory at the college level continues to churn out NFL-ready pass catchers. If the Eagles lose A.J. Brown (unlikely but possible), they'll have their pick of the litter on Day 2.

**Tight End:** This is particularly good news for the Eagles, who may need to completely remake their tight end room. Kenyon Sadiq is the clear TE1, likely a first-rounder, but there's a deep group of Day 2 options behind him. With Dallas Goedert's future uncertain, the Eagles should be targeting this position heavily.

**Edge Rusher:** David Bailey from Texas Tech, Abdul Rees, and Bain headline a class that could see the top of the first round loaded with pass rushers.

**Offensive Tackle:** Another deep group, which aligns perfectly with the Eagles' likely Round 1 target. The right tackle position needs to be addressed, and this class gives them options.

Eagles Round 1: Offensive Tackle Makes the Most Sense

The consensus — and it's the right one — is that the Eagles should draft an offensive lineman in Round 1. The right tackle position has been a revolving door, and with this class offering depth at the position, there should be quality options available at pick 23.

If A.J. Brown is somehow traded, wide receiver enters the conversation. But barring that unlikely scenario, offensive tackle is the play. Lock down the trenches, protect Jalen Hurts, and keep building toward sustained contention.

The NFL Combine is right around the corner. Buckle up.