Rueben Bain Jr. faces a challenging situation as he approaches the 2026 NFL Draft, with his short arm length potentially impacting his draft position. The former Miami pass-rusher was a standout player during his college career, dominating the line of scrimmage with exceptional power and athleticism. In his final season, Bain recorded 15.5 tackles-for-loss and 9.5 sacks, making him a formidable force on the field.
However, the transition to the NFL presents a different landscape, where all players are elite athletes. In this competitive environment, even minor physical shortcomings can be exploited by opponents. Bain”s arm length, which measured just under 31 inches at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, is being scrutinized. As a result, his shorter arms could hinder his effectiveness against taller offensive tackles who possess longer reach.
Bain, standing at just over 6-foot-2, is already considered a shorter pass rusher. This height disadvantage combined with his arm length may pose challenges when he faces off against larger offensive linemen. If his arms were longer, it could mitigate some of the concerns regarding his size. At the line of scrimmage, leverage is crucial, and shorter arms can limit a player”s ability to compete effectively.
Despite these challenges, Bain”s talent remains evident. The potential for a draft stock decline exists, and it wouldn”t be surprising if he falls lower than projected. This situation could adversely affect his initial earning potential in the league. Nonetheless, Bain has the opportunity to prove that his physical attributes do not define his capabilities as a football player.
Currently, Bain is not participating in the combine workouts, which further complicates his evaluation. Some analysts believe that his shorter arms might make him one of the best value picks in this draft class, as scouts may overlook his abilities due to this physical characteristic. Bain has the chance to demonstrate that his skill set is more significant than his arm length.
In the end, while Bain”s arm measurements are a point of concern, they do not dictate his overall talent. It is now up to him to showcase his skills and convince teams that he can excel in the NFL, regardless of this physical limitation.
