"The Washington Commanders lost starting defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. two weeks into the 2025 season. His primary backup, Javontae Jean-Baptiste, was gone two weeks later. Then, by the middle of October, the Commanders' best edge threat, Dorance Armstrong Jr., saw his breakout campaign end. Washington had a suspect defensive front to begin with. Those injuries were simply too much for them to overcome."
"Explosive first step keeps opposing tackles constantly on their heels. Once he gets a step ahead, has the rare ability to bend the edge without losing any speed. He is so good at bending the edge in pass rushes that it is easy to overlook a full arsenal of moves, including swims, bull rushes, and spins. Very aggressive in run support with the size to set the edge and the speed chase from the back side."
Washington's edge rush depth collapsed in 2025 after Deatrich Wise Jr. went down, his primary backup Javontae Jean-Baptiste departed, and Dorance Armstrong Jr.'s breakout ended by mid-October. The defense relied on aging veterans Von Miller and Preston Smith and undersized hybrid Jacob Martin at defensive end, leaving insufficient pass-rush firepower. The edge position remains unsettled for 2026, with potential options including re-signing Martin or pursuing injury-prone Drake Jackson. With the No. 7 pick, the team can target a high-ceiling pass rusher. Rueben Bain Jr. profiles as a dynamic edge with strong college production and explosive pass-rush traits.
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