The Baltimore Ravens are entering a new era after a disappointing 8-9 season last year.
The team decided to part ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh and replaced him with Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers. One of Minter’s first significant actions was to trade for All-Pro EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. However, after Crosby failed his physical examination, the team rescinded the trade and opted to sign All-Pro EDGE rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals through free agency instead.
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Despite signing Hendrickson, the Ravens will select All-American EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. from the Miami Hurricanes, according to USA Today’s Nate Davis and Ayrton Ostly.
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
(Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
“GM Eric DeCosta claimed he’d hoped to acquire Crosby and sign pass rusher Trey Hendrickson,” Davis and Ostlywrote. “Picking Bain, who most certainly plays like a Raven − short arms and all − would allow for an alternate fulfillment of that plan. Bain’s T-rex limbs didn’t stop him from being extremely productive – often against NFL-caliber offensive tackles – for the ‘Canes. He bulled his way to 9½ sacks and 15½ TFLs last season and was a menace during the College Football Playoff.”
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If the Ravens select Bain in the 2026 NFL Draft, the move could reinforce a defensive identity built around a relentless pass rush. Baltimore already added Hendrickson in free agency after its trade for Crosby fell through, but drafting another edge rusher would provide depth and long-term upside for the defensive front. The Ravens have historically prioritized disruptive defensive linemen, and Bain’s production at Miami suggests he could fit well within that tradition.
After a disappointing season, the front office has been aggressive in reshaping the roster. General manager Eric DeCosta initially pursued Crosby before pivoting to Hendrickson, highlighting the organization’s desire to strengthen its pass rush and create more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Looking ahead, Baltimore’s strategy in the 2026 NFL Draft will play a key role in determining how quickly the team can return to playoff contention. If the Ravens do add Bain, he could join Hendrickson as part of a revamped defensive front built to anchor the team’s defense in the coming years. The 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh, where Baltimore could continue shaping the roster for its next chapter.
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Related: Ravens Projected to Sign Former No. 1 Overall Pick After Maxx Crosby News
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.