The New Orleans Saints might’ve finished last in the NFC South last year, but there is a ton of optimism for the team going forward, especially thanks to Tyler Shough.

But, while the offense looks to be turning the corner, the defense might be taking a step back thanks to the departure of Alontae Taylor, and potentially even Cameron Jordan. He could still return, but the odds are far from a guarantee.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen linked the Saints to a game-wrecking defensive end who could replace Jordan as their perfect pick at No. 8 overall in the NFL Draft. That player is Miami pass rusher Ruben Bain Jr.

Saints linked to Ruben Bain Jr. as perfect draft pick

“There’s a need here to add a pass rusher in New Orleans, as veteran Cameron Jordan is still a free agent,” Bowen writes. “Plus it’s an opportunity for coordinator Brandon Staley to add a potential game-wrecker for his defense.”

Bain, the Miami Hurricanes defensive end, was a great game-wrecker during their college football playoff run, all the way to the National Championship.

The 6-foot-2, 263-pound pass rusher might not be the biggest lineman coming into the NFL this offseason through the draft, but the upside he presents is something worth taking a chance on.

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Last season, he had 9.5 sacks and 54 total tackles, plus an interception and a forced fumble for the Hurricanes in the best season of his collegiate career.

While his season production was encouraging, the five-sack performance from Bain during the college football playoffs was what has made Bain such an appealing first-round target for pass-rusher-needy teams like the Saints.

A wide receiver like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, or Makai Lemon might be the more exciting option at No. 8 overall. But if the Saints add Bain, a potentially superstar pass rusher, the loss of Jordan this offseason or in the near future could be less of a concern.

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