Saints predicted to replace Cameron Jordan with elite ACC defender in 2026 draft

The New Orleans Saints are in an interesting position as we approach the 2026 NFL Draft. 

In some ways, the team overperformed in 2025, winning six games and showing some flashes. Tyler Shough had some nice moments as a rookie, and the team could try to surround him with more talent in the 2026 draft. 

However, the team has some holes on defense as well that need to be patched. Legendary defender Cameron Jordan has still not re-signed with the team, and if he doesn't come back, the Saints will have a big hole opposite Chase Young. 

Even if Jordan does re-sign, he will turn 37 this summer and it's thus reasonable to expect his production to decline very soon. In either case, the Saints need to be thinking about the future of the pass rush. 

NFL.com's Eric Edholm published a new mock draft and he has the Saints drafting Miami edge-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 8 pick. 

Regarding Bain and the Saints, Edholm offered the following:

Bain might not have the arm length of a prototypical pass rusher in coordinator Brandon Staley's system, but he'd be dangerous opposite Chase Young for a defense that needs more pressure sources. 

As Edholm mentioned, there are concerns about Bain's arm length, but that doesn't mean he can't still dominate. New Orleans would be a good landing spot as well, because the presence of Young would remove some pressure off Bain. 

In 2025, Bain played in 16 games and collected 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. The defender earned First-team All-American honors for his performance and helped lead Miami to the National Championship Game. 

At the combine, Bain received some negative press for his short arms. However, the defender has elite burst off the edge and is strong enough to push blockers back. Plus, Bain played against strong competition in college and was still extremely productive.

In New Orleans, Bain would work opposite Young and give the team one of the more fearsome pass-rush duos in the NFC. If Jordan sticks around, he can help mentor Bain and spell the rookie on certain downs. 

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