Bain Ignores Arm Length: NFL Teams Prioritize Play in the Draft

INDIANAPOLIS – Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. has revealed that no team has mentioned his arm length during interviews, focusing on his on-field performance.

People keep bringing that up out of nowhere, but no team has mentioned it to me, so I don’t mention it either. As long as I speak and act, play with technique, nobody cares.

Rueben Bain Jr.

Bain has been the subject of scrutiny due to concerns about the length of his arms and how this could affect his abilities as a pass rusher in the NFL. However, this did not prevent him from succeeding in Miami, where he recorded 9.5 sacks this season and a total of 20.5 in his three-year career. The player expressed that he never considered the length of his arms as a potential problem until it became a topic of conversation at the end of the college football season.

I was a little surprised because I had never heard of that in my life and, frankly, I didn’t pay attention.

Rueben Bain Jr.

Furthermore, Bain is convinced that his performance on the field will be what really matters, no matter where he is selected.

I am versatile and have a hot engine. I can do it in any position, at any time, with the best effort, and it’s on video, it’s not something I’m just saying.

Rueben Bain Jr.

Bain offered a forceful self-assessment: I know the team that drafts me will get the best of me, they will get the best player in the draft. If Bain’s arm measurement is 31 inches, approximately 2 or 3 inches shorter than desired, this could influence the teams’ decision. The Tennessee Titans coach, Robert Saleh, commented on Bain: “His video is undeniable. He is an incredible football player. He plays with great intensity. His football IQ is exceptional.” Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley indicated that they consider arm length on a case-by-case basis. He has seen edge rushers with shorter arms “get beat,” but also players so fast that they manage to get their hands inside the blocker first.

In an ideal world, you’d love to have a player with long arms. But there are players with shorter arms who are very good edge rushers or very good on the interior. It can be a conversation at all positions.

Jeff Hafley

The Washington Commanders’ general manager, Adam Peters, agreed that, ideally, a cornerback has long arms. However, the evaluation goes far beyond arm length.

Regarding players with shorter arms, there are some in this draft who are really, really good players. It’s great to have that length, but it’s also how they use it and how it looks on video. Some players can excel with shorter arms by doing things differently.

Adam Peters

Mel Kiper Jr. has Bain ranked as the number 9 overall prospect available for this year’s NFL draft.