University of Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.’s short arms aren’t likely to keep him from being an early pick in next month’s NFL draft. However, they are a topic of discussion in the lead-up to draft day.
Bain said at the Scouting Combine that no team had asked him about his 30 7/8-inch arm length, and he is adamant it won’t be a problem in the NFL.
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In an interview with Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media, Bain brought up Mike Tyson.
The so-called Baddest Man on the Planet stood 5 foot 10 and weighed 218 pounds, and his 71-inch reach put him at a reach disadvantage against most of his opponents, who had reaches of 76-84 inches. It usually didn’t matter.
“Like Mike Tyson . . . he wasn’t the tallest guy. He wasn’t the longest-limbed guy,” Bain told Wolfe. “But when you felt him, you felt him. You kept your distance.”
Bain will be at a disadvantage against longer NFL offensive tackles, but it might not matter. He had 9.5 sacks for the Hurricanes last season and 20.5 for his three-year career.
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Bain said he weighs 265 pounds, which he calls his ideal weight. UM listed him at 270.
“I’m at a new weight, a new body type, a new style, and I’m just the same player,” Bain said. “No matter what I’m doing, I can do anything in the game of football.”
