How I Landed A Game-Changing Talent For The Saints In The 2026 Locked On NFL Mock Draft

In a pivotal 2026 Locked On NFL Mock Draft, Ross Jackson reveals how the Dallas Cowboys' massive trade-up for safety Caleb Downs at No. 6 completely reshaped his strategy—forcing him to pivot from his original plan to select the highly touted Miami edge rusher Ruben Bain Jr. at No. 8. Despite being tempted by Downs, Jackson ultimately stayed put, avoiding a costly trade that would have required surrendering two first-round picks and a second-rounder. The decision paid off: Bain Jr., a 6'2", 260-pound pass rusher with 80+ pressures and a 22.5% pass rush win rate, emerged as the perfect fit for the Saints’ defensive identity—especially given their recent trend of prioritizing elite interior talent. Jackson defends Bain’s short arms (noted as the shortest in first-round history) by pointing out that arm length is overhyped and that production matters more. He also addresses the 2024 fatal car accident that briefly shadowed Bain’s draft stock, arguing that if teams are comfortable with the circumstances, it shouldn’t derail his value. Ultimately, Jackson stands by the selection, calling Bain Jr. a game-changer who can immediately impact both pass rush and run defense opposite Chase Young.