Justin Melo’s 2026 NFL Draft redo for Sports Illustrated just hit, and let me tell you, it’s got Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans feeling incredibly lucky. This isn’t just some hypothetical game; it’s a stark reminder of how close they came to missing out on a legitimate draft steal: edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. And even wilder, it shows how the New Orleans Saints almost made a pick that would have dramatically changed the NFC South landscape, setting up an annual headache for their division rivals.
The Saints’ Sliding Doors Moment at Pick No. 8
Melo’s redo reveals a fascinating alternate reality for the New Orleans Saints. He projects them taking Bain Jr. with the eighth overall pick, completely bypassing wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who they actually selected. You get why New Orleans originally targeted Tyson; he was seen as key to support quarterback Tyler Shough’s development, a logical move. But Melo saw a bigger picture, firmly believing that Bain Jr. was the better value. He argued the Saints would have been wiser to strengthen their pass rush, snagging one of the top defensive prospects. Bain Jr. could have stepped in as the long-term replacement for defensive end Cameron Jordan, learning from one of the most accomplished pass rushers in team history. That fit on paper? It makes all the sense in the world.
How Arm Length Became Tampa Bay’s Goldmine
So, why didn’t the Saints take Bain Jr. originally, and why did Tampa Bay get so incredibly lucky? Bain Jr. rolled into the pre-draft process as one of the top edge defenders available. Yet, whispers about his arm length grew, causing him to slip. All the way to No. 15 overall! When he was still on the board at that pick, the Buccaneers didn’t even flinch. They snatched him up, recognizing the immense talent that had inexplicably fallen into their laps. And the immediate returns? They have been fantastic. Head coach Todd Bowles has already heaped praise on the rookie, specifically calling out Bain Jr.’s football IQ and his ability to process the game at a level far beyond what you’d typically expect from a first-year player. That’s not just hype, that’s a coach seeing a future star, a validation of their draft night fortune.
Imagine, for a second, if Melo’s redraft had become reality. The Buccaneers wouldn’t just have missed out on Bain Jr.; they would be forced to face this guy, this absolute defensive force, twice every single season as a member of their fiercest division rival. That would be an annual problem, a constant thorn in their side, turning one of the draft’s biggest steals into a recurring nightmare for the NFC South. Instead, Tampa Bay got the steal, and they’re reaping the rewards of a truly gifted rookie, while the Saints are left to wonder what could have been.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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