Reuben Bain Jr. has been a staple on the Miami Hurricanes’ defensive line since his true freshman season in 2023. Through his first two seasons, he was a consistent bright spot on two inconsistent defenses that allowed 22.8 and 25.5 points per game, respectively. In 2025, however, Bain has taken his game to a different level to lead a much-improved defense that’s surrendering just 14.2 points per game. Bains’ scouting report will evaluate his strengths, weaknesses, and his best fit in the 2026 NFL draft.
Reuben Bain Jr. Scouting Report
Measurements
Height: 6030
Weight: 270 lbs
Strengths
Bain’s best friend is the natural leverage he creates against offensive tackles thanks to his stout frame, and he uses it to his advantage in the run game. Tight ends and tackles are unable to move Bain downfield, and he routinely sets a hard edge against outside runs. Offenses spend most of their time running away from him, but Bain showcases good backside pursuit speed and effort to chase ballcarriers down.
As a pass rusher, Bain’s best tape comes when aligned on the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle, known as a five technique, and Miami will sometimes bump him out another full gap over to guarantee him a 1-on-1 rush. He uses these wide alignments to his advantage, often showcasing rare acceleration and bend for someone his size to dip under the hands of a tackle, or give them a violent two-handed chop before they can land their initial punch. PFF has charted Bain with 54 pressures through 10 games, and he owns a top 10 pass rushing grade at 92.4
Weaknesses
While difficult to move, Bain needs to work on getting off blocks more frequently against the run. He also needs to improve on getting ballcarriers to the ground more consistently, as he’s missed nine tackles already in 2025. Bain prefers to try and go around offensive tackles rather than straight through them, which has been effective, but it would be nice to see him use his natural power more often.
Bottom Line
Bain has all the tools to be an instant impact defensive lineman in the NFL from day one. His size and willingness to take on blocks give him an all-around skillset that should allow him to be scheme versatile, playing outside in a 4-3 alignment or kicking inside in a 3-4 look, along with the ability to lineup over a guard or tackle on obvious passing downs. Bains’ playstyle is reminiscent of Houston Texans star Will Anderson, who has taken the NFL by storm in his first 2.5 seasons.
Having developed steadily as both a pass rusher and run defender in his three years at Miami, it’s reasonable to think that Bain has yet to come close to his full potential, as he’ll be just 21 years old on draft day. As for potential landing spots, Bain is well worth a top 10 selection, and his fit with a team like the New Orleans Saints as a running mate for Chase Young and replacement for a similar skillset in Cameron Jordan makes quite a bit of sense.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
