Rueben Bain is a name that has been making waves in the world of football. The 2026 draft class is filled with talented players, but Bain stands out as one of the top prospects. However, there is one major concern that has been raised about his abilities – his arm length.
As per the NFL standards, teams prefer their edge rushers to have an arm length of at least 33 inches. This allows them to have a wider reach and better chances of tackling the opposing team’s quarterback. But when Bain’s arm length was measured, it came in at 30 7/8 inches, falling short of the desired threshold.
This has raised questions about whether Bain’s arm length will affect his performance in the NFL. Will he be able to compete with other edge rushers who have longer arms? Will he be able to make an impact on the field? These are valid concerns, but let’s take a look at how other edge rushers with similar arm lengths have fared in the NFL.
One of the most successful edge rushers in recent years is Von Miller of the Denver Broncos. Miller’s arm length is 33 inches, which is just above the desired threshold. However, there are several other successful edge rushers who have arm lengths similar to Bain’s.
One such example is Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears. Mack’s arm length is 33 1/4 inches, just slightly longer than Bain’s. Yet, he has been a dominant force on the field and has been named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. He has also been selected for the Pro Bowl six times and has been a First-Team All-Pro four times. This goes to show that arm length is not the only determining factor for success in the NFL.
Another example is Demarcus Lawrence of the Dallas Cowboys. Lawrence’s arm length is 33 3/4 inches, which is just a little longer than Mack’s. He has also been a dominant edge rusher in the league and has been selected for the Pro Bowl twice. He has also been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. Again, this proves that arm length is not the only factor that determines a player’s success in the NFL.
One more example is Jadeveon Clowney of the Cleveland Browns. Clowney’s arm length is 33 3/8 inches, which is just slightly longer than Bain’s. He has also been a dominant force on the field and has been selected for the Pro Bowl three times. He has also been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. This further solidifies the fact that arm length is not the only factor that determines a player’s success in the NFL.
These are just a few examples of successful edge rushers with arm lengths similar to Bain’s. There are many more players who have proven that arm length is not the be-all and end-all in the NFL. It is a combination of skills, determination, and hard work that ultimately leads to success in the league.
Bain may have a shorter arm length, but he has other qualities that make him a top prospect in the 2026 draft class. He is known for his speed, agility, and technique on the field. He has a natural instinct for the game and has shown great potential in his college career. These are the qualities that will make him a valuable asset to any team in the NFL.
Moreover, Bain’s arm length can be compensated with proper training and coaching. He can work on his technique and footwork to make up for his shorter reach. With the right guidance and support, he can overcome this perceived deficiency and become a successful edge rusher in the NFL.
In conclusion, it is unfair to judge a player solely based on their arm length. As we have seen, there are many successful edge rushers in the NFL who have arm lengths similar to Bain’s. It is his skills, determination, and work ethic that will ultimately determine his success in the league. Bain has all the qualities to become a top player in the NFL, and his arm length should not be a hindrance in achieving his goals. Let’s give him a chance and see how he fares in the NFL.