ESPN predicts Chiefs will select dominant Miami pass rusher in 2026 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs have a plethora of needs that must be addressed this offseason, especially the edge rusher position.

Kansas City's pass rush was completely nonexistent this season, as the Chiefs' defense ranked in the bottom ten in sacks, and the edge rusher play from George Karlaftis and Mike Danna has left a lot to be desired.

In order to make a return to the postseason, Kansas City must bolster its pass rush, which is why ESPN's Jordan Reid predicts the team will use the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain.

Here is what Reid had to say about Bain and his potential fit in Kansas City.

"Bain's game is all about power; he's a heavy-handed defender who regularly overwhelms blockers at the point of attack. Capable of playing 0- to 9-technique, Bain can play all over the defensive line and has flashed in big moments during Miami's current playoff run. At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Bain's measurables might not fit every team's wish list but would work well in Kansas City, where defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has preferred dense and powerful pass rushers."

Bain has been nearly unblockable this season, tallying 8.5 sacks and 80 quarterback pressures with 33 defensive stops. The Miami edge rusher has been an integral part of the Hurricanes' run to the National Championship and has elevated his status as a sure-fire first-round pick.

Though selecting an offensive playmaker to help quarterback Patrick Mahomes would be an exciting Round 1 selection by the Chiefs, taking Bain would be the logical move. Kansas City struggled to generate much pressure in 2025, as mentioned above, and adding Bain would help fix that issue tremendously.

The 21-year-old is a versatile pass-rusher who plays with a relentless motor, and his ability to stop the run is exceptional as well. Bain is an NFL-ready player with few flaws.

Steve Spagnuolo's defense has been just as pivotal as Mahomes during the Chiefs' dynasty. Adding Bain would help them regain form as one of the league's top defenses.