March 3, 2026, 7:33 a.m. ET

Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr out of the University of Miami is projected as one of the top prospects in the 2026 draft at a position the Miami Dolphins need to address this offseason immediately.

Bain is no stranger to the city of Miami, having played his entire football career in South Florida. He is a former four-star recruit out of Miami Central and played all three of his collegiate years with the Miami Hurricanes. He was instantly impactful as a true freshman in 2023, recording 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Bain’s numbers took a dip in his sophomore year, largely due to his missing four games due to injury.

But Bain instantly bounced back for his junior year and is coming off an incredible 2025 campaign for the Hurricanes, totaling 9.5 sacks, 54 tackles and 15 tackles for loss. Bain’s outstanding season earned him the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award and All-American honors.

Bain’s play was even more impressive during Miami’s run to the National Championship game. Bain recorded five of his 9.5 sacks during the playoffs, including a three-sack performance in the 10-3 win over Texas A&M in the first round. Bain finished his career at Miami with 121 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and an interception.

The only consistent critique of Bain ahead of the draft is his arm length compared to the average NFL edge rusher. But his production on the field, elite athletic ability and technique should overshadow the questions regarding his physical tools. Since Bain did not partake in on-field activities at the Combine, his pro day will show more about where he is projected to go in the draft.

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It would be a major headline to follow all season if Bain becomes a hometown hero for a Dolphins team looking to take the first step toward a successful rebuild. Bain confirmed last Tuesday at the NFL combine that the Dolphins were one of the teams he’s met with in the pre-draft process.

Position: EDGEHeight: 6’2Weight: 263 poundsFit for Miami

Pass rushing is one of the Dolphins’ most obvious gaps to fill on the roster after parting ways with Bradley Chubb, who led the team with 8.5 sacks a season ago.

2024 first-round pick Chop Robinson did not take a step up in year two as many Dolphin fans were hoping, but he will get another opportunity in his third season under a new defensive scheme with Jeff Hafley in charge. But Miami will still need to find a suitable edge rusher to play on the opposite side of Robinson.

If Bain falls outside of the top 10, he would be a phenomenal addition to the Dolphins’ front seven in 2026. He would almost certainly be favored to start on the depth chart, depending on what type of defense coach Jeff Hafley decided to run.

Bottom Line:

The Dolphins are in immediate need of a starting edge rusher, and this 11th overall pick provides them a perfect opportunity to address this need.

Bain is undoubtedly one of the top three edge rushers in this draft, and he would be a highly valued selection at No. 11. It would be an easy transition for Bain to start his NFL career in the place he grew up for a team that desperately needs his services this season.

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