As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, Miami defensive end Rueben Bain is a name that had been penciled in as a top 15 pick by many. His college season was a showcase of dominance, with highlight reels filled with impactful plays.
Yet, as the big night nears, Bain’s draft stock seems to be slipping, leading to whispers about a potential slide down the draft board. Could this open a door for the Chicago Bears?
It might sound surprising, given that the Bears hold the 25th overall pick. Initially, nobody expected Bain to be available that late.
However, Bears GM Ryan Poles made an appearance at Miami’s pro day, hinting that he might see an opportunity. Poles is known for attending pro days of players the Bears are eyeing, suggesting he believes Bain could fall into their lap.
The stars might just be aligning for this scenario.
A major talking point around Bain is his arm length. It’s been noted that his arms are shorter than average, and recent measurements confirmed they barely exceed 30 inches.
In the NFL, 33 inches is often considered the minimum for pass rushers. The last time a player with arms under 32 inches was drafted high was Melvin Ingram at 18th in 2012.
This context, provided by draft expert Chad Reuter, adds to the conversation.
Bain was incredibly productive in college, with 33 sacks over three seasons. Yet, players like him have seen mixed results in the draft.
For instance, Barnett, another productive rusher, was picked 14th, and Robinson, compared to Micah Parsons, went 21st. Neither has dominated in the NFL, which doesn’t help Bain’s case for a high selection.
Plus, his pre-draft conduct raises eyebrows.
Bain has been notably absent from athletic testing events. He insists that his performance on tape speaks for itself.
While that’s a valid stance, skipping the scouting combine and his pro day tests raises questions. Teams might wonder if he’s hiding something.
A similar approach by Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024 didn’t prevent him from being picked 4th, but his career hasn’t met expectations. Bain doesn’t have Harrison’s athletic profile, which adds to teams’ concerns.
For the Bears, this situation might be ideal. Picking at 25th allows them to take a calculated risk on Bain without the pressure of a top 15 selection.
If Bain doesn’t meet expectations, the impact is less severe. However, his relentless playing style suggests he could be a solid contributor at the NFL level.
For a team with playoff aspirations like the Bears, Bain’s potential immediate impact could be just what they need.