Rueben

Bain Jr.

Rapoport cautioned viewers, saying he is not making any predictions, before listing Ohio State S Caleb Downs, Ohio State LB Sonny Styles and Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. as potential options. An ESPN report from earlier this month indicated the Commanders are focused on improving the pass defense this year. Adding any of the three players listed above would go a long way toward that end.

The Commanders held a big pre-draft Top 30 visit Tuesday, with many top prospects heading to Top Golf as part of a group outing of over 20 players. Holding the No. 7 pick in the draft, the Commanders have quite the list of visiting prospects, though it is absent quarterbacks with Jayden Daniels firmly holding down that position. In addition to top offensive players in Tate, Lemon and Love, the Commanders also hosted top defensive players in Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain. What Washington does with the pick is still up in the air, though now nearly an entire round’s worth of prospects can say they’ve played Top Golf in the DMV area.

Breer said he first heard this story in February and that the reason it didn’t come out earlier is that no team checking in on it felt it would impact his draft stock. Only a few teams raised the issue with Breer and those who did said “there was an explanation.” Bain’s 30 7/8-inch arms feel like a bigger issue for teams at this point in Breer’s eyes. He’ll likely go somewhere in the top-15 selections next Thursday.

The Read Optional’s Oliver Connolly broke the tragic news. Bain was cited for careless driving following a March 2024 collision. Four passengers were in his vehicle, two of whom were transported to the hospital. One passenger, Destiny Betts, entered a coma and passed away three months later. Bain’s charge was dropped approximately two weeks before Betts’ death. Betts’ family could still file a civil suit, though the family reportedly wishes Bain the best in his life and career. Bain was also reportedly cited for careless driving in 2025, with that incident later being dismissed. Per Connolly, multiple NFL sources “confirmed they are aware of the incident and are continuing to investigate.” One said that “it doesn’t feel like [Bain] has been transparent with us.” Another adds that they “are concerned about multiple incidents” and “are waiting for the other shoe.” Bain, 21, is widely regarded as one of the incoming class’ best EDGE prospects despite substandard size.