'Idiots,' Rueben Bain Jr.'s Arm Length Concerns Blasted by CFB Coach Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

NFL evaluators sometimes overthink measurables and test results when it comes to draft prospects. At least one college coach believes that's the case regarding Miami edge-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and his arm length of 30 7/8 inches, which is relatively short for a high-end pass-rushers.

"All those people who talk about how short his arms are are idiots," a Big Ten assistant coach told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. "This is just asinine conversation that people are having. Watch his film. He's gonna be a dude. He's gonna be an elite pass rusher. He gets off the ball. He has elite power. You turn speed into power, arm length doesn't matter. He'll neutralize their length. He's elite, man. Did you watch his (pro day)? He can get his right shoulder almost on the ground when he's turning the corner, and the violence he's coming out of it with—what he did in that drill is rare."

The on-field production is certainly there. Bain registered 9.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss and led the nation with 68 quarterback hurries last season. He saved his best for last, with four sacks in his first two College Football Playoff contests, and had 20.5 sacks across three college seasons (38 games).

"He causes all sorts of havoc," a head coach who faced Miami told Feldman, calling him the best defensive player his team saw in 2025. "He's such a violent player with heavy hands. He abused some really good O-linemen last year."

Short arms and all.