Kiper, Brugler mock drafts confirm consensus on Rueben Bain Jr.’s role in fatal car crash

The 2026 NFL Draft is just over one week away. Now is the time for every NFL team to put the finishing touches on their draft boards before the big event. One controversial prospect appears to have his mock draft position set in stone despite recent reporting.

Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is one of the top players at his position in this year’s draft class. But Bain’s involvement in a fatal car crash in 2024 caused some to wonder if he would tumble down draft boards.

If mock drafts are any indication, Bain should be just fine.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his final mock of the offseason on Wednesday. Kiper has Bain going off the board at eighth overall to the Saints. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also released a new mock draft on Wednesday. He paired Bain with the Chiefs at the ninth overall pick.

That range at the bottom of the top 10 has been where Bain lands in mock drafts over the past month. That suggests that NFL teams have not been scared off by the new of Bain’s fatal car crash.

But there is more evidence beyond mock drafts that suggests NFL teams are not afraid of drafting Bain.

Lions GM Brad Holmes explained on April 13th that Detroit already knew about Bain’s involvement in the fatal car crash.

The Ringer’s Todd McShay revealed that he knew about the incident back in January. He also claimed that every general manager he’s talked to since the initial report was also aware of Bain’s involvement.

It will be interesting to see when Bain actually goes off the board during the draft next week.

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