Miami DE Rueben Bain says NFL teams unconcerned with arm length

Bain, a projected first-round pick, says teams aren't worried about his shorter-than-ideal arm length

Feb. 25, 2026 at 11:08pm

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Former Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. says NFL teams aren't "too concerned" about his arm length, which is considered suboptimal for a prospect. Bain, a projected first-round pick, says he hasn't heard much criticism about his arm length and plans to showcase his skills at Miami's pro day on March 24.

Why it matters

Arm length is an important measurable for NFL teams when evaluating defensive line prospects, as longer arms can help players disengage from blockers and get to the quarterback more effectively. Bain's comments suggest teams may be willing to overlook this potential limitation if his on-field production and other traits impress during the pre-draft process.

The details

Bain, who was listed at 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds at Miami, was among the top pass rushers in college football last season, logging 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. He says he hasn't heard much criticism about his arm length, which an NFL scout recently measured at 30 3/4 inches - shorter than the 33-inch preference for defensive linemen. Bain credits Miami Hurricanes defensive line coach Jason Taylor, a Hall of Fame pass rusher, for helping develop his mindset and not putting too much pressure on himself.

  • Bain made the comments during his news conference at the 2026 NFL scouting combine on February 25.
  • Bain plans to showcase his skills for scouts at Miami's pro day on March 24 in Coral Gables, Florida.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A former defensive end for the Miami Hurricanes who is considered a first-round prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jason Taylor

The Hall of Fame pass rusher who serves as the defensive line coach for the Miami Hurricanes and has mentored Bain.

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What they’re saying

“None of the teams seem too concerned with it. As long as I just talk the talk, walk the walk and play with technique, nobody actually asks me about it.”

— Rueben Bain Jr., Miami Hurricanes Defensive End

“Never get too high, never get too low. Don't pressure stuff. Just let stuff come to me. Everything will work out in my favor. As long as I put the right work in and the right preparation in, everything will work out.”

— Rueben Bain Jr., Miami Hurricanes Defensive End

What’s next

Bain will not participate in drills at the combine, but plans to showcase his skills for scouts at Miami's pro day on March 24 in Coral Gables, Florida.

The takeaway

Bain's confidence in his abilities and the feedback he's received from NFL teams suggests that his shorter-than-ideal arm length may not be as big of a concern as some expected. If he can continue to dominate on the field and impress during the pre-draft process, Bain could still be a high draft pick despite this perceived physical limitation.