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NFL insider Jason La Canfora believes the Jets will select Rueben Bain Jr. with the No. 2 pick
The New York Jets are the team everybody is keeping an eye on ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. While they have the No. 2 pick, the draft really starts once they are on the clock, as everybody knows that the Las Vegas Raiders will be selecting Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall selection.
With so many needs across their roster, the Jets are widely expected to select the player who they believe is the best guy available with this pick. Who that will end up being, though, is still a mystery. While the team has been heavily linked to Ohio State Buckeyes linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, NFL insider Jason La Canfora believes the team may actually be lining up a move for Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.
Jets Predicted to Draft Rueben Bain Jr.
The majority of the players New York is considering with the No. 2 pick play on the defensive side of the ball, which is great, because the Jets need some cornerstones in that department after trading away guys like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams last year. With those guys gone, though, that has made it even more important for the Jets to nail this pick.
Bain played a big role in helping Miami find its way to the National Championship Game last year. In 16 games, Bain racked up 54 tackles (15.5 of which went for a loss), 9.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one pass breakup, with those numbers helping him earn All-American honors.
There are some concerns about Bain, such as his arm length, but his production during his time with the Hurricanes is tough to argue with. New York is still mulling over its options with this pick, but according to La Canfora, it sounds like Bain has a real shot at being selected right after Mendoza comes off the board.
“Playing a hunch that the evaluators I really trust, who aren’t concerned about Bain’s ‘short arms’ or ability to wreak havoc lined up inside or outside,” La Canfora wrote. “’He’s my favorite lineman in the draft,’ said one longtime NFL personnel guy. ‘I’m kicking him inside in nickel and watching him kick a**.’ From everything we gather this pick could go down to the wire.”
Should the Jets Draft Rueben Bain Jr.?
GettyMIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 17: Rueben Bain Jr. #4 of the Miami Hurricanes speaks to the media during media day activities prior to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers at Miami Beach Convention Center on January 17, 2026 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images)
The Jets are in a good spot with the No. 2 pick, as they will have their pick of the litter when it comes to the top defensive prospects available in this draft class. That comes with a lot of pressure, though, as the front office is going to have to find a way to ensure they make the right selection.
Whereas guys like Reese or Styles are considered sure things, Bain is a bit of a riskier pick, but you can make an argument that his upside is higher than any other defensive player in this draft class. With a pair of first-round picks at their disposal, the Jets can afford to be aggressive come draft day, and that could eventually lead to them bringing Bain to town.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is an Email Newsletter Editor & Breaking News Writer at Heavy Sports. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, NESN Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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