Despite arm length concerns, the dominant edge rusher lands in Tampa Bay, ready to prove doubters wrong and wreak havoc on the NFL.
In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccannears with the 15th pick. Despite all the rumors and narratives concerning arm length, the Miami native seeks to remain a dominant force at the highest level of football.
“My mentality is what I could do,” he said. “I know I’m the best in the country. I’m sure.”
As a junior, Bain Jr. emerged as one of the best players in the nation. In 897 total snaps, he recorded 54 total tackles, 30 solos and 24 assists, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 68 hurries, three hits, 83 pressures, two passes broken up, a forced fumble, a passes broken up, and a 12-yard interception in the home opener against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Buccaneers were projected to select Hurricanes edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, but the draft-day slippage allowed for Bain Jr. to fall to them. The team finished with 38 total sacks, the 10th most in the league. They started last season 3-0 before finishing 8–9 and missing the playoffs.
The 21-year-old has shown great production, but questions were raised about arm length. At the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, Bain Jr. measured at 30 ⅞ inches, which is short of average for an NFL defensive end by three inches. Regardless of measurements, the Hurricanes' star managed to wreak havoc among opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks, some of whom are part of the same class.
Most mocks suggested Bain Jr. would be selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, who entered the draft with the No. 9 pick. However, the organization completed a draft-day trade with the Cleveland Browns, exchanging it for No. 6, other assets included.
The Miami Dolphins had an opportunity to take a homegrown star, but the local franchise selected Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Kaydn Proctor with the No. 12 pick after swapping No. 11 with the Dallas Cowboys.
There was some belief in a slippage happening due to the short-arm measurements from the Scouting Combine. It happened, but Bain Jr. will not be leaving the “Sunshine State.” According to Spotrac, he should be signing a fully guaranteed four-year, $23.7 million rookie contract, including a $13.7 million signing bonus.
As Bain Jr. enters a new chapter in his football career, there will be opportunities to prove other organizations wrong on passing throughout the draft.
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