Rueben Bain Jr.'s arm length might be raising eyebrows, but his raw power and savvy play could make him a hidden gem for a team willing to take a chance. While the measurements show Bain's arms at 30 7/8 inches and Texas A&M's Cashius Howell at 30 1/4 inches, these figures are below the typical threshold for first-round defensive linemen. According to ESPN Research, no defensive lineman with sub-31-inch arms has posted a 10-plus sack season since 1999.
Despite this, some teams have reported slightly different measurements for Bain, even up to 32 inches. But the reality remains: no edge rusher with arms shorter than 31 inches has broken that 10-sack barrier in over two decades. This could see Bain and Howell slipping in draft rankings, though they’re still expected to remain first-round picks.
For those willing to look beyond the numbers, Bain offers intriguing potential. He's not just an athlete who dominated in college but one who knows how to leverage his strengths effectively. Instead of relying on arm length to create separation, Bain uses his compact build to get up close and personal with blockers, employing his impressive strength to bulldoze through.
This brings back memories of the 2009 NFL Draft when the Chargers picked Larry English, whose short arms sparked a similar debate. English, however, never managed more than three sacks in a season. Bain's challenge will be to defy those odds and prove that arm length isn't the be-all and end-all for a pass rusher.
In the end, Bain’s blend of power and technique could make him a valuable asset for a team ready to look past conventional measurements and bet on his unique skill set.