Commanders eye transformative talent Rueben Bain Jr. in unexpected NFL Draft twist
The Washington Commanders are in a precarious position, having suffered four consecutive losses. However, this downturn could inadvertently position them favorably in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the team’s aspirations of selecting in the 20s or 30s slip away, they may find themselves with a top-ten pick if their struggles continue.
Potential Draft Positioning
General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn are acutely aware of the changing landscape. With the Commanders’ record faltering, they could be primed to select standout Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. Should this scenario unfold, Bain’s explosive skill set would undoubtedly be a game-changer for the franchise.
“Bain Jr. is an explosive, violent edge rusher with rare power and bend, capable of turning the corner from wide alignments and overwhelming tackles with speed-to-power,” noted a CBS Sports contributor. His impressive repertoire of pass-rush moves—ranging from bull rushes to inside counters—along with exceptional balance and hand usage, enables him to be effective both as a rusher and in run defense. His relentless disruption and explosive first step consistently collapse pockets while setting a firm edge.
Mock Draft Insights
In a recent mock draft, Bain Jr. is projected to be selected by the Commanders with the No. 9 overall pick. Several notable players are expected to be chosen before Bain, including Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, among others. Should the top quarterbacks in the draft receive less enthusiasm from teams, Bain’s stock may rise even further.
For the Commanders, adding Bain would represent more than just a strategic pick; it would inject youth and power into a defensive line that sorely needs it. His presence could be pivotal in revitalizing the team’s overall defensive capabilities.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Commanders prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions, scheduled for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, the focus remains on the present while also keeping an eye on potential future stars like Bain. This duality of immediate challenges and long-term planning will be essential as the team navigates the rest of the season.
The Commanders’ commitment to a “next man up” mentality will face its toughest test yet, but with the prospect of landing a player of Bain’s caliber, hope is still alive for a turnaround.
