Titans land defender who ’cause a stir’ at Combine in latest ESPN mock draft

March 3, 2026, 5:01 p.m. ET

The Tennessee Titans select Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 4 overall pick in ESPN’s post-combine mock draft.

Tennessee’s pass rush is currently led by first-team All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The Titans have been widely projected to select an edge rusher with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft.

ESPN’s Jordan Reid projects the Titans opt for Bain Jr. over other highly touted prospects in this year’s class, such as Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey.

Bain was the talk of the defensive line group at the combine, as his official arm length of 30⅞ inches caused a bit of a stir. And while it’s a historical outlier, I don’t believe it will cause him to drop out of the top 10. I actually have him in the top five, as he’s a perfect match for Titans coach Robert Saleh’s defense. Bain’s hand power and versatility could reinforce a front that already has All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and newly acquired edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Adding Bain would give Saleh’s team an immediate identity.

Bain’s style of play provides a strong rationale for the Titans to select him when they are on the clock for the first time on draft day. The 21-year-old recorded 9.5 sacks and 67 total pressures for the Hurricanes in 2025.

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The Titans also select Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with the No. 35 overall pick in Reid’s mock draft.

Boston is regarded as one of the top prospects at wide receiver in this year’s draft class. The 22-year-old recorded 881 receiving yards on 62 receptions in 2025.