INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 25 (UPI) — Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. Downplayed concerns about his arm length Wednesday, stating NFL teams haven’t expressed reservations during meetings at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
“None of the teams seem to be too concerned with it,” Bain told reporters at the Indianapolis Convention Center. “As long as I just talk the talk, walk the walk and play with technique, nobody actually asks me about it.”
Bain’s arm length has been a topic of discussion among draft analysts, with one NFL scout reporting a measurement of 30 3/4 inches, according to The Athletic. That measurement is below the 33-inch threshold generally preferred by NFL teams.
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Bain, the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, recorded 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss during the 2025 season. He acknowledged being initially surprised by the attention given to his arm length.
“I didn’t hear it until later in the year, but it kind of surprised me because I never heard it all my life,” Bain said. “I just don’t give it the time of day, honestly.”
Bain described his dedication to football as all-consuming. “I eat, sleep and breathe football,” he said. “That’s all I do. I have no other hobbies, no real interests outside of football. That’s all I care for. That’s all I want to do.”
He credited Miami defensive line coach Jason Taylor, a Hall of Fame pass rusher, with instilling a balanced approach to the draft process. “Never get too high, never get too low,” Bain said, relaying Taylor’s advice. “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.”
Bain has met with representatives from several teams at the combine, including the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints and Washington Commanders, according to reports. Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh praised Bain’s game film, stating his “tape is undeniable” and his “football IQ is off the charts” at a press conference Tuesday.
Bain expressed confidence in his versatility, stating, “I feel like I’m versatile and I have a high motor. I can do it at any position at any time with the best effort. And it’s on film. It’s not something I’m just saying.” He is being considered as both a defensive end and defensive tackle.
Bain will not participate in on-field drills at the combine. He plans to showcase his athleticism and skills at Miami’s pro day on March 24 in Coral Gables, Fla. He concluded his remarks with a confident prediction: “Wherever I end up landing, it’s all hell on wheels, man.”
Other top pass-rushing prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class include David Bailey of Texas Tech, Arvell Reese of Ohio State, Keldric Faulk of Auburn, and Ahkeem Mesidor of Miami. Defensive linemen and linebackers will participate in workouts Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 23 to 25 in Pittsburgh.