Dominant edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.'s physical prowess and relentless motor make him a top prospect, but will arm length concerns impact draft day status?
The NFL Draft is six days away, marking a significant moment for several prospects, including Rueben Bain Jr. As the class is defense-heavy, the Miami Hurricanes star edge rusher is considered among the best. The 21-year-old is coming off an All-American season: 54 total tackles, 30 solos and 24 assists, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks in 16 games.
The Miami native was named a consensus All-American, All-ACC First Team, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and the Ted Hendricks Award winner.
In a segment on the CBS Sports Network, when talking about the qualities of the top edge rushers in this NFL Draft class, Beanie Wells sang praises about Bain Jr.
“I love Rueben Bain,” he said. “His ability to be so physical at the point of contact, to be violent with his hands, and him to be consistent, not only at rushing the passer, but stopping the run. He does everything you want well. Later in the games, he shows up the most. That’s something you have to appreciate. A guy that doesn’t just get tired and give you everything he has in the first half, but no, he’s there in the fourth quarter with a full tank of gas, willing to go the extra mile for his football team. Got to love him.”
The Hurricanes' star recorded 897 defensive snaps and totaled 83 pressures, the second-most by any Football Bowl Subdivision player since 2017.
Bain Jr. is projected to be a top-10 selection, primarily linked to the Kansas City Chiefs, who own the ninth pick and hosted a visit with him. However, rumblings of arm length continue to spiral, which could result in a draft-day slippage. He measured at 30 7/8 at the Scouting Combine, which is below average for a defensive end.
Regardless, the Miami native showed a high motor, especially in the College Football Playoffs. He recorded three sacks in the first round on quarterback Marcel Reed against the Texas A&M Aggies.
Bain Jr. will be in attendance for the first day of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, April 23. The highly-touted prospect is expected to hear his name called and walk the stage, entering a new chapter. It will be streaming on the NFL Network, ESPN, and ABC.
The Miami native proved to be a dominant force at the line of scrimmage, looking to translate the Hurricanes' success and lessons to the next level of football.
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