As the Miami Dolphins pivot from free agency to the NFL Draft, all eyes are on Jon-Eric Sullivan. After honing his skills in Green Bay, Sullivan is ready to make his mark, and the draft is his stage.
The Dolphins have some clear needs: cornerback, wide receiver, safety, and more. But the spotlight is on the defensive front, where they need a game-changer. Just a month ago, their options seemed limited, but things are starting to shift.
The NFL Combine often acts as a launchpad for draft prospects, and Rueben Bain, Jr. is a name to watch. A standout from Miami University, Bain could be a prime target for the Dolphins if he slips in the draft.
Currently, Chop Robinson is the only edge defender on the Dolphins' roster with starter potential. Bain, if he falls out of the top ten, could be a game-changer for Miami.
Before the Combine, Bain was a consensus top 10 pick, with some projections as high as fifth overall. His talent remains unquestioned, but his Combine measurements raised eyebrows.
Bain's wingspan was 77 1/2 inches, but his arm length came in at just 30 7/8 inches. For an NFL edge rusher, longer arms are typically preferred to fend off offensive linemen.
The concern is that edge rushers use their arms to keep tackles or tight ends at bay. Offensive linemen are taught to get leverage by getting close to defenders, driving them outside the pocket. Longer arms help defenders maintain distance and control, which is where Bain faces scrutiny.
Despite his shorter arm length, Bain is explosive off the line. His first step is electric, and his ability to manipulate blocks with quick footwork and diverse moves makes him a formidable prospect.
As mock drafts suggest Bain might slip out of the top eight, the Dolphins, picking at 11, could find themselves in a prime position to snag a top-tier talent. If Bain is available, Sullivan might find it hard to pass up such a valuable player.
Even if the Dolphins decide Bain isn't their top priority, his potential could attract other teams looking to trade up. Sullivan would be wise to leverage this interest to maximize the Dolphins' draft position.
Sullivan's extensive research on this draft class means he's well-prepared. If Bain was on his radar before, the arm length issue shouldn't deter him. The real question is whether Bain will fall into their lap.