Indianapolis, IN – Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. Confirmed Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that his discussions with NFL teams have centered on his playing ability, not concerns about his arm length, according to multiple reports.
Bain, projected by some analysts as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, addressed questions surrounding his 30 ¾-inch arm length, a measurement that has drawn scrutiny from some scouts. “People keep bringing that up out of nowhere, but no teams brought it up to me, so I don’t bring it up either,” Bain said, as reported by ESPN and the Baltimore Ravens official website.
The 6-foot-2, 277-pound prospect concluded his junior season at the University of Miami with 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss, helping the Hurricanes reach the National Championship game. Despite his on-field success, some evaluators question whether his physical attributes will translate to the NFL, particularly when facing offensive tackles with longer reach.
Bain revealed he has been consulting with Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis as he prepares for the draft. “I be talking to Ray all the time. If I can chop it up and pick his mind about film, I’m always trying to call and spot,” Bain stated, according to the Ravens website. Lewis, known for his successful NFL career despite being considered undersized by some, offers a relatable perspective for Bain.
The Baltimore Ravens, who have a history of drafting players with perceived flaws – including Lewis himself, Terrell Suggs, and Kyle Hamilton – currently hold the 14th overall pick in the draft. Analysts suggest Bain could be available at that slot, though mock drafts, such as one from NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, have him going earlier. Brooks noted that the return of Jesse Minter as the Ravens’ head coach could signal a return to a more physical defensive style, potentially aligning with Bain’s skillset.
The Ravens’ pass rush struggled in 2025, recording only 30 sacks, the third-fewest in the league. No individual player reached double-digit sacks, with defensive tackle Travis Jones leading the team with five. This require for an elite edge rusher could craft Bain an attractive option if he is still available at pick No. 14, according to SI.com.
Bain expressed confidence in his abilities, telling Yahoo Sports he believes he is the best player in the draft. The NFL Combine continues through the weekend, with on-field drills scheduled to start Thursday.
