Why Rueben Bain To The Bears Has Become A Very Real Possibility

Key Points:

• Rueben Bain, once considered a top 15 pick in the 2026 NFL draft due to his dominant college season, is now seeing his draft stock decline amid concerns about his physical measurements and testing participation.
• Bain’s notably short arm length, barely over 30 inches compared to the preferred minimum of 33 inches for pass rushers, has raised red flags; historically, players with similar measurements have not been drafted higher than 18th overall.
• Bain’s decision to skip athletic testing at both the NFL scouting combine and his pro day has fueled speculation that he may be trying to hide weaknesses, which negatively impacts his draft perception.
• The Chicago Bears, selecting 25th overall, have shown interest in Bain, with GM Ryan Poles attending Miami’s pro day, suggesting they may view him as a low-risk, high-reward option given his playing style and potential for immediate contribution.
• While Bain may not have the highest ceiling, his tenacity and production could make him a valuable asset for a Bears team aiming for the playoffs, as the lower draft position reduces the risk of selecting him.