Rueben Bain's slipping stock could be draft delight for Lions

Draft month, finally, has arrived. Continuing our series, which began earlier this month and will run until the 2026 NFL Draft begins on April 23, The Detroit News will spotlight one prospect a day who could be a first-round fit for the Detroit Lions , who own the 17th overall pick. Assuming the Lions don't trade out, it'll be their highest selection since running back Jahmyr Gibbs went No.

12 in 2023 . Today's focus is on Miami defensive end Rueben Bain. By the numbers ▶ In 2025, led FBS in pressures (83), the most by any player since 2017 ▶ Registered 20 ½ sacks with 33 ½ tackles-for-loss over three college seasons ▶ Instant contributor at Miami, recording 44 combined tackles, 12 ½ tackles-for-loss and 7 ½ sacks in freshman season ▶ 30 ⅞-inch arms worry scouts Rueben Bain career background Bain was a devastating force at Miami Central High School and enrolled at Miami as a four-star prospect after registering 58½ sacks over his last two prep seasons and helping Central to four consecutive state championships.

He was the No. 71 prospect nationally and No. 15 prospect in the state of Florida, per 247Sports.

He was selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Game in 2022. In joining his hometown Hurricanes, Bain continued a family legacy; his uncle, Tolbert Bain, played defensive back at Miami from 1983-87 and won a national championship. Rueben Bain immediately made the family name proud, making the starting lineup in Miami’s third game and never giving up the starting job over his tenure.