It's simply never too early to begin thinking about next year's NFL Draft. This is especially the case for a team like the Detroit Lions, who are talented enough to continue getting by with past draft picks on currently affordable deals - they can always use reinforcements at those positions.
There's one specific name to watch for according to NFL Mocks' latest roundup in the 2026 draft for the Lions: Rueben Bain out of the University of Miami.
A position that the Lions have stayed pretty silent on needing help at, though, is at the EDGE. Detroit is getting star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson back in the fold this season after he broke his leg early on in 2024, and there still remains a chance that the team re-signs Za'Darius Smith after he was waived at the end of the year.
But, what about investing in another young, hungry pass rusher in the draft next year? It's exactly what they've done with Hutchinson, albeit he was a 2nd overall pick. The Lions, realistically, will once again be picking somewhere towards the end of the draft as the team is projected to once again be great in the NFC North.
Bain fits that bill.
Bain projected to land with Lions in way too early NFL mock draft for Detroit
According to NFL Mock's John Blair, the Lions should take a hard look at Bain as the perfect answer to their need at the pass rushing position.
"He made a big splash in 2023, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. However, his 2024 season was a bit of a disappointment as he battled injuries throughout the year. Still, at 275 pounds, Bain fits the mold of the bigger, physical edge rusher Dan Campbell likes. He shows explosive burst off the ball, and if he can return to form in 2025, he has the potential to be one of the top defensive ends in this class," wrote Blair.
Other players Blair mentions as potential targets for the Lions include DE Anthony Smith out of Minnesota, LB Tony Rojas out of Penn State, guard Ar’maj Reed-Adams out of Texas, and QB Sam Leavitt out of Arizona State.
The Lions have been spectacular with drafting as of late. While they haven't picked in the top order of the draft in recent seasons - for good reason - they consistently grab players with high upside. Tate Ratledge is expected to be someone who fits that mold for the team this year, and perhaps Bain could have the same type of hype if taken by Detroit.
