Will Campbell’s Super Bowl Struggles Put Spotlight on Rueben Bain Jr. Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
When Will Campbell declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, the conversation wasn’t just about his tape-it was about his traits. Specifically, his arm length.
Scouts flagged it as a potential issue for a tackle at the pro level, and in Super Bowl 60, that concern became painfully real. Lined up against a relentless Seattle Seahawks pass rush, Campbell had a night to forget-and one that may reshape how teams evaluate similar prospects moving forward.
According to Next Gen Stats, Campbell allowed 14 quarterback pressures in the Super Bowl-the most by any player in a single game this season, playoffs included. That’s not just a rough outing; that’s a red flag waving in high definition. Seattle clearly keyed in on his limitations, and the result was a breakdown in protection that helped swing the biggest game of the year.
Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Tennessee Titans-holding the No. 4 overall pick-find themselves staring down a similar dilemma. Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. is one of the top defensive prospects in the class, but like Campbell, he’s facing questions about his arm length. Bain’s arms measure under 31 inches, and that’s a number that matters-especially at EDGE, where length helps win leverage battles, disengage from blockers, and finish plays.
Here’s the reality: the last time an EDGE rusher with arms shorter than 31 inches made a Pro Bowl or posted double-digit sacks was back in 1999. That’s not just a trend-it’s a 25-year drought. And while Bain’s college production and motor are both impressive, history hasn’t been kind to players with his physical profile.
That’s not to say Bain can’t buck the trend. He’s been a force at Miami, producing against top-tier competition with a blend of explosiveness, technique, and relentless effort.
But as the Campbell situation just reminded everyone, when you’re missing one of the key physical tools for your position, you’ve got to be exceptional everywhere else. There’s no room for average when your measurables are below the NFL’s preferred thresholds.
For Tennessee, the decision becomes even more layered. With the fourth pick, they’re in a prime spot to land a franchise-changing player.
If both Bain and Texas Tech’s David Bailey-another highly regarded EDGE prospect-are on the board, Campbell’s Super Bowl performance could loom large in the war room. It’s not just about who’s the better player on tape; it’s about risk management, positional projection, and how much a team is willing to bet against precedent.
The Titans have needs on defense, and pass rush is near the top of the list. Bain could be their guy. But after watching Campbell’s physical limitations get exposed on the biggest stage, Tennessee’s front office will need to be absolutely sure Bain checks every other box-athleticism, technique, football IQ, motor-before they make that call.
Because in today’s NFL, the margin for error is razor-thin. And when a player’s measurables fall outside the norm, that margin gets even thinner.