Bucs Legend Voices Concerns Over Top 2026 NFL Draft Prospect

Former All-Pro Gerald McCoy believes arm length could be an issue for Miami's Rueben Bain Jr.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:36pm

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As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star is weighing in on the concerns some teams have about one of the top defensive prospects. Gerald McCoy, an All-Pro defensive tackle, said that despite Rueben Bain Jr.'s dominant college career at Miami, his relatively short arm length is causing issues with NFL teams and coaches.

Why it matters

Bain is projected to be a top-10 pick, so his development and ability to overcome any perceived physical limitations will be crucial for the team that selects him. McCoy's perspective as a former elite defensive lineman provides valuable insight into how NFL decision-makers may view Bain's pro potential.

The details

McCoy explained that in conversations he's had with teams, Bain's arm length is seen as a potential problem by many defensive line coaches. However, McCoy believes Bain can be coached up to play effectively despite this perceived shortcoming. Some offensive linemen have even told McCoy they would welcome the chance to face a player like Bain.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in just over three weeks in Pittsburgh.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive edge prospect from the University of Miami who is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite concerns about his relatively short arm length.

Gerald McCoy

A former All-Pro defensive tackle who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is now sharing his insights on Bain's pro potential.

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What they’re saying

“Y'all can underestimate how much important they're putting on that boy's arms being short. Every defensive line coach I talk to, all my defensive line friends, they believe it's a problem. . .I'm one of the only people that believe that you can coach him up, to play it properly. You see, even seeing offensive linemen saying they would love to go against a guy like that, and separation is just so important.”

— Gerald McCoy, Former All-Pro Defensive Tackle

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh in just over three weeks, where teams will have to decide how much Rueben Bain Jr.'s arm length will factor into their evaluation of the talented Miami edge defender.

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the importance that NFL teams place on specific physical traits like arm length when evaluating prospects, even for players who have proven to be dominant at the college level. Bain's ability to overcome this perceived limitation will be crucial in determining his immediate and long-term impact at the professional level.