Scouting Miami EDGE Rueben Bain and his Las Vegas Raiders fit
Position: EDGE Rusher
Height: 6’3
Weight: 275
Stats: 2025 (12 games) – 37 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, INT, PBU, 2 FF | 58 pressures, 11 QB Hits, 27 stops, 19.8% win rate
Class/Age: Junior, 20
Team: Miami (FL)
Positives:
Bain has an exceptional first step where he consistently explodes into the rep and engages with the tackle immediately creating pass rush nightmare matchups for offensive coordinators. Bain’s movement skills continue to show within the rep where he has exceptional ankle flexibility and hip movement that allows him to bend the edge and explode laterally or horizontally to pressure the pocket. Bain moves well in space as well showing the ability to get through a block and chase down backside runners or a scrambling QB. Bain pairs his athleticism and explosive playstyle with good natural raw strength allowing him to convert speed to power while also winning with a variety of moves. Bain has heavy strong hands at the POA which allow him to make lethal contact quickly and violently. As a smaller framed pass rusher, Bain does understand leverage and utilizes it well while also having an ability to stay low and play outside of his frame at the same time. He’s demonstrated a variety of pass rush moves which include a swim, club, chop swipe, and some bull rush technique. Bain isn’t going to be overmatched athletically or physically in the NFL with elite anchor ability and a strong thick lower half that allows him to anchor back and drive through the rep or contain the edge in run support as well. His handwork is active and quick with strength as well and he dices the run game just as well as he does the pass game showing consistent stack, shed, and readjustment techniques. Bain worked well when lined up at 7/9 tech but also showed the ability to work at a 4/5 tech and be an effective stunt loop player in the NFL with above average lateral movement. Bain has shown consistent progression with his technique and football IQ through three years instead of relying solely on his natural athleticism and power. Bain is a high IQ run defender, knowing opposing rushing plays well with good discipline and strength to set and hold an EDGE. He’s able to defeat blocks in space and has true sideline to sideline motor consistently breaking down plays backside or chasing defenders far downfield.
Weakness:
Bain isn’t lack weight/muscle wise but height wise he does fall below NFL averages and his arm length is also just about average which could limit his ability to plant his arm into a tackles chest and turn the corner while also being outmatched by similar height athletic tackles. Additionally, he suffered an elbow and calf injury that caused his 2024 season to essentially be over before it could start due to lingering issues. Bain does get washed out in the run game at times due to his lack of length and over aggression where he constantly attempts to make up for his physical profile by extending himself too far and having clips of over pursuit in OZ run or true IZ situations. Bain also struggles at times to utilize his strength vs double teams getting washed out despite his anchor ability and becoming a non factor. Bain will win every rep off the LOS but he does struggle when tackles are able to plant on his inner shoulder causing him to have to adjust to his non dominant hand where he’s not as refined with his pass rush technique. Bain takes consistent bad angles in space and will whiff a good bit of tackles outside the tackles or TE in the NFL till he’s able to adjust better into space laterally and understand pursuit angles. Multiple clips of Bain making the wrong read, failing to set the edge, or getting washed out result in him making a play near the LOS due to his athletic ability but that will be exposed more in the NFL where Bain does struggle making the right read in option concepts or RPO instances. Bain is listed at 6’3, but there’s a real world he’s barely 6’2 or just over the mark which will cause some concerns into the NFL. From a pure box score line in three seasons, Bain has registered 104 tackles, 25.5 TFL, and 15.5 sacks with just 9 sacks in the last two seasons which is below average for a prospect his level though his pressure rate and win rate are highly above average to counter that.
Grade: 1.41- Mid Round 1
Pro-Comp: Tuli Tuipulotu (LAC)
Bain is going to be a fascinating prospect. he’s got the athletic traits and strength to blow anyone away and should be dominant the combine if he chooses to participate. The true junior will be knocked for his very below average height and questionable arm length but he does showcase the ability to make up for this vs NFL caliber competition though how often he’ll be able to do the same things he does at Miami in the NFL are going to be a massive question. Bain is a high motor, high effort edge rusher with natural strength and advanced technique for his age, the main point is to not overthink how effective, efficient, and impactful he is due to measurables. Teams will have to “risk” things when considering him but he will reward that risk and likely go on to have a multi 10+ sack stretch a few points in his career. The Raiders need to get a running mate with Maxx Crosby, as Malcolm Koonce and Tyree Wilson have struggled and Bain would provide what they’re looking for, that said the main issue arises with his fit. Las Vegas is going to have the first overall pick, and Bain just can’t be the pick over a QB.
Category: General Sports
