The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial decision in the upcoming NFL Draft, and all eyes are on their defense. With new head coach Jeff Hafley at the helm, the Dolphins are looking to bolster their defensive lineup, which has seen better days.
The once formidable group of EDGE rushers is in need of a serious upgrade, and the team has already welcomed some new faces like Josh Uche, David Ojabo, and Robert Beal Jr. But it's Rueben Bain Jr., a South Florida native, who has fans buzzing with excitement.
Bain has been a standout performer for the Miami Hurricanes, racking up impressive stats over 38 games. With 121 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles, he's been a force to be reckoned with. His stellar performance earned him ACC Defensive Player of the Year and All-America honors in 2025.
The advanced metrics back up Bain's dominance on the field. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the No. 5 prospect in the entire draft, boasting a remarkable 92.8 grade for the season.
Despite this, there's a chance he might still be available when the Dolphins make their first pick at No. 11.
According to reports, the Dolphins are set to meet with Bain on March 24. As a local product, his visit doesn’t count against the team’s 30 permitted visits, but it signals genuine interest from Miami's new leadership. Unlike other top prospects like presumptive No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, Bain's draft position isn't set in stone, largely due to concerns about his physical measurements.
Bain's arm length, measured at 30 7/8 inches, places him in the 1st percentile for EDGE rushers. This has raised eyebrows among some scouts, who worry that his "t-rex arms" could limit his effectiveness at the professional level.
However, history has shown that arm length isn't everything. Players like Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, and Aidan Hutchinson have all thrived in the NFL despite similar concerns.
The Dolphins' front office, with Jon-Eric Sullivan's experience in making bold draft moves, might see Bain as a potential steal at pick No. 11.
If they choose to draft him, they could be securing a defensive powerhouse for years to come. Bain's talent and tenacity on the field suggest that he could be a game-changer for Miami, and passing up on him might be a decision they'd regret.
In the end, the Dolphins' decision could hinge on whether they prioritize proven performance over physical prototypes. If Bain is still on the board at No. 11, the smart move would be to draft him and watch as he becomes a cornerstone of their defense for the next decade.