Rueben Bain Jr. Called 'Anti-Measurables Guy' by NFL Coach Amid Arm Length Concerns

Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.'s measurements at the NFL scouting combine last week raised some eyebrows, but some around the league reportedly aren't concerned.

The Athletic's Bruce Feldman spoke to one veteran NFL defensive coach who described Bain as "the anti-measurables guy" and added that "it wouldn't surprise him if Bain turns out to be a DE version of Aaron Donald."

"He dominates in the run game and you can't block him on the rush," the coach told Feldman. "From what I heard about his interview, he said (Miami D-line coach) Jason Taylor really taught them how to be a professional in terms of practice habits, film study and his overall approach. And it's obvious on film that Bain took that to heart. He's trying to snatch guys' souls on the field. In my heart, I pray he's there (in the second half of the first round) when we pick, but my brain says no way he falls that far."

Bain's arms were measured at 30 7/8 inches, which would be the shortest arm length of any edge rusher selected in the first round of the NFL draft in the last two decades.

Still, Bain's production and ferocity on the field have impressed talent evaluators ahead of the 2026 NFL draft.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked Bain as the No. 2 overall player in this year's draft class and predicted that he would be selected by the New York Jets with the No. 2 pick.

One NFL scout told Feldman that Bain is "too explosive, violent and powerful and that his first-step burst is good enough to help overcome his lack of length on the edge."

"I love that kid," the scout said. "He's just different, and I mean that in a good way."