2026 NFL Draft: Former Saints QB Derek Carr pushes for Rueben Bain Jr.

Over the course of the last twelve months, the New Orleans Saints have managed to go from Derek Carr being their starting quarterback to Tyler Shough, who has rapidly made his name known in the NFL. Now, the Saints have work to do to build and facilitate a strong offensive structure around him, which will be heavily considered during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carr, the former starter for this team, recently did a mock draft on his Home Grown with David & Derek Carr YouTube show. When they got to the pick at No. 8 for New Orleans, they went on to select a defensive prospect instead, taking Rueben Bain Jr. Derek praised Bain's run defense capabilities, and said he actually reminds him of Cameron Jordan to some extent.

"New Orleans Saints," Carr began, "Now, I can see the Saints taking a receiver. Jordan Tyson's my favorite in the draft, love him, but, Cam Jordan's gone, y'know who reminds me of Cam, bigger body, can play inside out? Rueben Bain. I think that's a great pick."

After clarifying between the two of them and their editor that Jordan had not yet signed elsewhere and remains a free agent, Derek continued on by saying the following about the Bain pick: "I think it's Bain, they love drafting receivers in the first round, o-linemen in the first round, and they love drafting edge rushers in the first round. I think they get it right; they get Rueben Bain. Worst case scenario with him, I think he's a great run player, worst case."

As much as the offense needs to be a focus, getting a player like Bain certainly raises the floor of the defense substantially. The run defense for the Saints has been one of their more notable issues in recent years, and Bain can help settle that down while also providing some pass rush upside initially, which can be improved over time with coaching.