After attempting to play down the impact of having shorter arms on his ability to impact games, Rueben Bain Jr's measurements were taken before his Combine workout
15:10 ET, 26 Feb 2026Updated 15:11 ET, 26 Feb 2026
Rueben Bain Jr. was quizzed about his arm length during media duties on Wednesday
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Rueben Bain Jr. was quizzed about his arm length during media duties on Wednesday(Image: Getty Images)
Rueben Bain Jr. is battling history as his arm length measurements came in and did little to quash concerns.
The annual NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis begins this week, with Bain attracting plenty of attention. The Miami edge-rusher represents one of the premier prospects in this NFL Draft class, but he has had to fend off questions regarding his reach.
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Much like Will Campbell a year ago, Bain is being criticized as a high-end prospect because of his arm length. Thursday’s official measurements will only enhance the analysis of his frame, as ahead of taking to the Lucas Oil Stadium turf for his workout, Bain’s much-discussed arm length measurements were taken.
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He clocked in at 30 and 7/8 inches, which is below 31, the low end of the expectation. In fact, it's the third shortest arm length of any edge-rusher in Combine history.
The measurement will cast doubt on Bain’s long-term projection of success in the NFL, and history is hardly on his side either; the last time an edge had double-digit sacks or made the Pro Bowl with arms shorter than 31 inches was 1999.
The 21-year-old boasts an impressive body of work. He tallied 20.5 sacks during his collegiate career, including 9.5 last season alone.
Bain played down any issues surrounding his arm length when he spoke to the media on Wednesday, telling reporters: “People keep bringing that up out of nowhere, but no teams brought it up to me, so I don't bring it up either.
“As long as I just talk the talk and walk the walk, play with technique, nobody actually cares about it.”
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Rueben Bain Jr. didn't let concerns about his arm length affect his on-field production in college
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Rueben Bain Jr. didn't let concerns about his arm length affect his on-field production in college(Image: Getty Images)
He added: “It kind of surprised me because I never heard it all my life and I just ain't give it the time of the day honestly.”
Bain’s arm length is a viable concern, though. His measurements are at least two inches shorter than the ideal threshold for NFL edge rushers, and the discussion could affect his status as a consensus top-10 pick.
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Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley acknowledged that arm length is considered on a case-by-case basis. He admitted that those with shorter arms “get eaten up,” but noted that speed can compensate for this.
“In an ideal world, you'd love to have a guy with long arms,” Hafley said on Tuesday. “But there are guys that have shorter arms who are really good edge rushers or really good inside. It can be a conversation at all positions.”
Still, there is some solace for Bain; he doesn’t have the shortest arms in the class. Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell came in at 30 and 1/4 inches, and he is still regarded as a first-round pick.