2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Rueben Bain Jr.

Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE – Miami)

6’3″ – 270 lbs.

Background

Miami local and four-star recruit who stepped into a starting role as an injury replacement in his second week of the season, posting 44-12.5-7.5 in an impressive freshman campaign. Started all nine games he appeared in the following year after missing much of the early season with a calf injury, going 23-5.5-3.5 before recovering his form in 2025 and posting a 45-13.0-8.5 line.

Positives

Productive three-year starter who finished strong. Thickly-built base defensive end in a system which had a lot of two-gap responsibilities up front. Shows good discipline in his run fits. Anchors very well, with a low pad level, good knee-bend/flexibility, excellent lower-body strength, and nice extension to lock out opponents. Has heavy hands to discard blockers when in position to make a stop. In a more aggressive role, uses his explosive power to bully his way into gaps and create disruption. Has an excellent work rate and solid range in pursuit, closing well from the backside. High-intensity rusher with the first step explosiveness to challenge the edge with speed. Has a smooth dip and bend when working the edge; doesn’t need to gear down as he turns the corner. Uses his hands well to swipe or swim past opposing blockers. Highly effective speed-to-power player who builds a head of steam, gets his pad level down, and bulldozes opponents. Shows impressive suddenness/lateral quickness and active hands to sift through blockers; does a nice job of using his quickness to slot into rush lanes, preventing opponents from getting into his pads. Has an explosive closing burst to finish his rushes and convert pressures into sacks.

Negatives

A bit thicker than he is tall/long. Might be considered a bit on the bigger side for some teams as a stand-up edge rusher in an odd front, and was typically playing with his hands in the dirt during the games reviewed. Can occasionally struggle to locate in the run game, and/or allow himself to be sealed on the occasional snap when he unsuccessfully tries to anticipate the play. Intensity can sometimes lead to out-of-control snaps where balance isn’t where you’d like it to be. Flexibility in his ankles can occasionally be an issue, although there are good reps in that regard. Has only taken a few career snaps in coverage, and that doesn’t seem like his ideal role.

Summary

A “bull in a china shop” style lineman who combines a very thick, strong build with an excellent motor, strong gap discipline in the run game, heavy hands, and outstanding pound-for-pound explosiveness. Those traits make him an obvious, high first-round value who should be able to step in right away and make an impact at the next level. Played in his ideal role in school: a two-gapping base defensive end in an even front.

Projection: Round 1