Browns Nfl Draft: Edge Rueben Bain Jr. Makes Sense In Cle, Even If Polarizing

The Cleveland Browns own the #6 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Who will they take? What are their greatest needs after the free agency signings?

GM Andrew Berry had a very good draft class for 2025. Can he replicate that success this year? It all begins in the first round and trickles down from there.

RELATED:CALEB DOWNS A RISKY, FASCINATING PICK

Most draft experts have Cleveland taking either a receiver or an offensive lineman with the sixth pick. But the players on the board that are ranked higher could all be front-seven players: David Bailey, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Rueben Bain, along with safety Caleb Downs, depending on how the first five picks go.

If value is the goal, the Browns might want to take a receiver or a tackle later in the first round and with the seventh pick in Round 2.

What would a stud pass rusher do for this Cleveland defense? What if the Browns grabbed another exceptional pass rusher to pair with Myles Garrett? Think about that scenario.

Currently, on various draft sites, Bain is rated higher than any offensive tackle or guard, and any wide receiver. Here is where Bain is ranked:

• Pro Football Focus: #5
• Tankathon: #5
• Draft Countdown: #7
• The Ringer: #3
• CBS Sports: #2
• Yahoo! Sports: #5
• NFL.com: #7

Bain has been described as a jewel of this year’s draft, even as pundits argue about his arm length. He can overwhelm offensive tackles with his hands and be placed anywhere along the defensive line, but his strength is rushing the passer. He has a rare blend of power, size, and athleticism that makes him a standout prospect. Had 9.5 sacks last season, 15.5 tackles for loss, and was named the “ACC Defensive Player of the Year.”  

EDGE Rueben Bain, Jr.

Draft projection: Round 1

Browns pick: #6

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Specifics:

College: Miami

Height: 6’-2”

Weight: 263 pounds

40-time: 4.72

Career Tackles: 121

Career Forced Fumbles: 4

Career Sacks: 20.5

Career Tackles for Loss: 33.5

Career Pass Defenses: 2

Career Interceptions: 1

Career games: 38

Accolades: Consensus All-American, First Team All-ACC, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Hendricks Award winner, ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2023)

Positives:

• Overwhelming zeal and plenty of power
• Massive, powerful lower half 
• Second most pressures (66) in the nation
• 30%-win rate on true pass set situations 
• Converts speed to power on his bull rush
• Heavy hands, stays low, keeping his leverage
• Can take tight angles around the edge
• Plays the run with real aggression
• Consistent effort
• Performs big in big games

Negatives:

• Lack of arm length
• Relatively small tackle radius
• Missed tackles have been a concern
• Times when he loses steam
• Aggressive style can pull him out of position
• He’ll overrun a play or come in too hot

Expert Draft Site Analysis

The Athletic

Bain’s ability to process protection concepts and adjust his attack angles like a seasoned veteran sets him apart as a formidable force on the field. His versatility allows for maximum impact when deployed as a moveable weapon rather than a stationary edge, showcasing elite production regardless of alignment. With the inside rush package he’s developed, Bain turns third-and-long situations into nightmares for interior linemen, showcasing a rare combination of quickness and power. Florida State’s head coach has publicly hailed Bain as one of the nation’s elite defenders, a sentiment echoed by opposing coaches who campaign for his draft status, a testament to the fear he instills in opponents.

How would you feel about Bain being added to the Browns defense?

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