Chiefs Eyeing Miami DE Rueben Bain Jr. with Top-10 Pick

Unnamed AFC North scout sees Bain as a perfect fit for Kansas City's pass-rushing needs.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:37pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the explosive motion of a football player rushing the passer, with sharp, overlapping planes in the Chiefs' team colors of red, gold, and black.The Chiefs' top-10 draft pick could reshape their pass-rushing unit with a dynamic talent like Rueben Bain Jr.Kansas City Today

According to an unnamed AFC North scout interviewed by ESPN, the Kansas City Chiefs are considering selecting Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. with their top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. The scout believes Bain's powerful edge presence, great motor, and dominant college production make him an ideal fit to bolster the Chiefs' pass rush, despite some concerns about his arm length.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are in an unfamiliar position, holding a top-10 pick for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era. With needs on both sides of the ball, their selection will be crucial in maintaining their status as Super Bowl contenders. Bain's potential addition could provide a significant boost to the team's pass-rushing capabilities, which have been somewhat lacking in recent seasons.

The details

The unnamed AFC North scout, acting as a "stand-in GM" for the Chiefs, said he would "gladly take Bain" if he's available at the No. 9 overall pick. The scout praised Bain's production, noting his 33.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks over three years at Miami, as well as his dominant performance in the College Football Playoffs. However, there are concerns about Bain's arm length and whether it will limit his ability to succeed at the professional level.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 27-29, 2023.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A defensive end from the University of Miami who is projected to be a top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who has led the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances and wins.

George Karlaftis

A defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs who has had a somewhat underwhelming start to his NFL career.

Chris Jones

A veteran defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs who is approaching the latter stages of his career.

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What they’re saying

“I can't believe the other scouts let the board fall this way, but we will gladly select Bain and look to grab a defensive back with pick No. 29.”

— Unnamed AFC North scout, Acting as a "stand-in GM" for the Chiefs

“Bain is a powerful edge with great leverage, a great motor, and he was unstoppable in the College Football Playoffs when you're seeing the best versus the best.”

— Unnamed AFC North scout, Acting as a "stand-in GM" for the Chiefs

What’s next

The Chiefs will have to weigh the potential benefits of selecting Rueben Bain Jr. against any concerns about his arm length and how it may impact his ability to succeed at the NFL level. The team will also need to consider other positions of need, such as defensive back, as they prepare for the upcoming draft.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' decision with their top-10 pick will be crucial in maintaining their status as Super Bowl contenders. While Bain's college production and potential fit with the team's pass-rushing needs make him an intriguing option, the team will need to carefully evaluate all of the factors before making their selection.