NFL Draft rumors on Rueben Bain, Lions, rising prospects, and more

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Welcome to the last full calendar week ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

As we spin around the rumor carousel, we start with a big one.

What is happening with Rueben Bain?

We might have our first major 2026 NFL Draft surprise.

Ahead of NFL free agency, Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was a prohibitive favorite to be drafted by the Tennessee Titans at No. 4. But in recent weeks, Bain has slid down the board a bit to No. 7 and the Washington Commanders. At first blush, one might tie that to Tennessee’s approach in free agency, where they added several players to their defensive front. That has analysts believing the Titans might pivot to running back Jeremiyah Love, to give second-year quarterback Cam Ward another playmaker on offense.

But could there be another reason?

Ollie Connolly of The Read Optional is reporting that Bain was involved in a 2024 car crash that left one person in a coma, who later passed away tragically due to her injuries:

According to the police report, obtained by Connolly, Bain was cited for operating his vehicle “in a careless or negligent manner.” He was operating a 2021 Land Rover SUV with three passengers in the vehicle — Miami players Wesley Bissainthe and Nyjalik Kelly, along with a Destiny Betts. Following a collision with the second vehicle, Bain’s car struck a concrete wall before being redirected into a second concrete wall, where it came to rest.

Betts was taken to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, according to The Read Optional. After staying in a coma for nearly three months, she passed away from her injuries in June of 2024.

Bain was cited again in 2025 for careless driving which, according to Connolly, was also dismissed.

“It feels like it could be [Laremy Tunsil] all over again,” a league source told The Read Optional. “It doesn’t feel like [Bain] has been transparent with us.”

“We are concerned about multiple incidents,” another team executive said to Connolly. “We are waiting for the other shoe.”

Connolly reached out to Bain for comment, and as of the publication of this piece he has not received a reply.

In a statement to The Read Optional, Betts’ family called the incident a “tragic accident,” and stated they “wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”

What impact, if any, this has on Bain’s draft position remains to be seen. But given his recent slide, it could be the start of a trend.

Browns among teams looking to trade … up?

Last week we discussed the notion of the Dallas Cowboys trading up in the first round, perhaps with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6.

But might the Browns be looking to trade up themselves?

Speaking with Rich Eisen recently, NFL insider Tom Pelissero outlined that teams view the 2027 NFL Draft class so highly that it is hard to find an organization ready to part with future draft picks. As such, Pelissero believes that the teams looking to trade up will be those with a pair of picks in this year’s first round. Those teams would not need to part with future selections — or at least 2027 first-round picks — to make such a move.

Those teams include the Cowboys of course, but also the Kansas City Chiefs, the New York Jets, the Miami Dolphins and yes, the Browns.

As far as a team looking to move down, John Keim and Jordan Reid from ESPN point to the Washington Commanders. While they sit at No. 7 in the first round and could have a much-needed defender slide to them at that spot, the Commandeers have only six overall picks, and just two in the first three rounds. Moving back would give Washington some much needed draft capital.

Keim, ESPN’s Commanders beat writer, believes that a “modest” move back that allows Washington to stay inside the top 12 would be an ideal scenario.

What are the Lions thinking?

One of the more intriguing pivot points in the first round comes just about midway through opening night, when the Detroit Lions go on the clock at No. 17. General manager Brad Holmes could go in a few different directions, such as adding another pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson or perhaps an offensive lineman to patch up that group in front of Jared Goff.

Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports addressed some of the rumors around Detroit on Monday, pointing to two players in particular: Auburn pass rusher Keldric Faulk and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor.

Starting with Faulk, Payton notes that AtoZ Sports “AtoZ Sports knows the Lions like Auburn’s Kedric Faulk. This is something that makes a lot of sense when you look at how good Faulk is against the run. There are some concerns about his pass-rush ability. He was great in 2024, but not so good in 2025.”

As for Proctor, Payton highlights a discussion between Mina Kimes and NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah, where Jeremiah shared that “he was told the Lions love” the Alabama tackle.

Prospects rising up draft boards

This is the time every single draft cycle where analysts focus on the players who are rising up boards as the draft approaches.

Now, the idea of a player “rising” is often misleading. In many cases, that is just the public catching up with how teams feel about players — and have felt about them for a while. Still, the draft community loves the idea of players rising up boards in the final weeks.

Over the weekend ESPN put together a list of seven players who are viewed as “draft risers,” some of whom are in position to come off the board in the first round, others who have climbed into Day 2. Those players include Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst, Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanchor, Cincinnati WR Jeff Caldwell, USC pass rusher Eric Gentry, and North Dakota State running back Barika Kpeenu.

Of those, the most interesting might be Hurst. Despite being a zero-star recruit, he started for three years over Valdosta State and Georgia State, and accounted for nearly one-third of Georgia State’s passing offense last season. His combination of size (6’4 206) and speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash at the Combine) makes him a very intriguing player.