As the 2026 NFL Draft draws closer, one of the most talked-about topics during the final phase of team evaluations has centered on Miami edge defender Rueben Bain Jr.. The talented pass rusher was involved in a fatal car accident in 2024, a situation that has resurfaced during draft discussions.

Bain has long been viewed as one of the top three edge prospects available in this year’s class. However, his draft projection had already been slipping somewhat because of concerns about his arm length. With renewed attention on the crash, it has become increasingly difficult to predict where the Miami standout might ultimately be selected when the draft takes place in Pittsburgh later this month.

On Monday, reporters asked Brad Holmes about the situation. The Detroit Lions GM explained that the organization had been aware of the incident for quite some time and had already looked closely into the details during its evaluation process.

Holmes indicated that the information was not new to the team and therefore does not alter their approach toward assessing Bain as a prospect.

That perspective appears to align with what others around the league have said. Todd McShay of The Ringer shared that he had learned about the crash—which resulted in the death of 22-year-old Destiny Betts—back in January. According to McShay, every general manager he spoke with after the report surfaced was already familiar with the circumstances, making the timing of the information becoming public just weeks before the draft somewhat surprising.

Now the question is whether Bain will still be available when the Lions are on the clock with the No. 17 pick. If he is, it remains to be seen whether Detroit will decide to take the talented edge rusher. Fans will soon find out once the draft begins.