20.5-sack star named "best fit" for Cowboys in 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.It's no secret that the Dallas Cowboys want to be better on defense in 2026. The team's defense was absolutely abysmal in 2025.

So bad, that defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was fired after just one season in the role. The horrible season wasn't JUST due to trading away edge rusher Micah Parsons, but that definitely didn't help. As a result, the team has made a couple of moves this offseason to help turn the unit around.

Otito Ogbonnia Jalen Thompson, and Cobie Durant were all added in free agency, while Rashan Gary was added in a trade with the Green Bay Packers. However, it's clear the team still needs to add to the pass rush. Gary and Donovan Ezeiruaku are currently slated to start on the edges, with James Houston and Sam Williams making up the top depth options.

It's therefore easy to see the Cowboys taking an edge rusher early in the 2026 draft. Douglas Clawson of CBS Sports recently identified the best first-round fits heading into the draft. One of Clawson's best fits is edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to the Cowboys.

Regarding Bain's fit in Dallas, Clawson offered the following:The Cowboys ranked top 10 in pressure rate last season but it wasn't impactful pressure. They allowed the most pass touchdowns with pressure (17) by any team on record (PFF tracks this since 2017).Bain Jr. had the most pressures (83) by any player in a season since 2017 and racked up 5.0 sacks and 24 pressures in four CFP games during Miami's run to the title game. He should make an instant impact for a team trying to capitalize on a window to win with Dak Prescott.As Clawson mentioned, the Cowboys HAVE to get home more on defense in 2026.

Bain certainly had no problem doing that in college, as Clawson pointed out that Bain had more pressures than any player in college since 2017. In total, Bain played in 16 games and collected 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks. The defender was a big reason why the Hurricanes made it to the National Championship Game, and he earned First-team All-American honors for his performance.

There's no question Bain would immediately come in and make a difference in Dallas. The defender was productive against NFL-level talent and has some of the best tools of any defender in this class. More NFL news:Titans suggested to make bold trade for disgruntled starRavens-Cowboys urged to link up for blockbuster dealCould Vikings shake up the 2026 NFL Draft?Wild trade idea sends Hall of Famer's son to Green BayCould Lions trade for Titans' star player?Matt LaFleur delivers promising update on injured star