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 9:53pm

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Former Miami Hurricanes pass rusher 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 in the 2026 NFL Draft, says he hasn't heard much criticism about his arm length and that teams seem more focused on his on-field production and technique.

Why it matters

Arm length is generally considered an important physical trait for NFL defensive linemen, as longer arms can help them disengage from blockers and get to the quarterback. Bain's shorter-than-ideal arm length could be a concern for some teams, but he appears to have convinced scouts that his play style and technique make up for it.

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. An NFL scout told The Athletic that Bain's arms recently measured in at 30 3/4 inches, shorter than the 33-inch minimum that teams generally prefer. However, Bain says he hasn't heard much criticism about his arm length and that teams seem more focused on his on-field production and technique.

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

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

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

Jason Taylor

A Hall of Fame pass rusher who served as the defensive line coach for the Miami Hurricanes and 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.

“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.

What’s next

Bain will not participate in drills at the combine, but he 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 his focus on technique over physical traits could help him overcome concerns about his arm length and solidify his status as a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.