General manager Adam Peters and other important decision-makers from the Washington Commanders are currently running the rule over draft prospects at the annual NFL Scouting Combine. And the aggressive front-office leader is already facing a massive dilemma at No. 7 overall.

One of the biggest talking points in Indianapolis has centered on Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. It’s a divisive topic that could have significant repercussions before and during Washington’s selection in the first round.

His college production isn’t in question. Bain was one of the most ferocious game-wreckers in the country, dominating opponents constantly to steer the prestigious program back to the national championship game. However, there is one issue causing significant debate among fans, analysts, and league personnel alike.

Rueben Bain Jr. red flag may not matter all that much to the Commanders

That, of course, is Bain’s arm length. And the measurements put the projected top-10 pick in outlier territory.

Bain came in with 30 7/8 inch arms. According to draft analyst Matt Miller of ESPN, this will be the shortest arms of any edge rusher drafted in the first round since 1999. That’s almost as long as the Dallas Cowboys have been without an appearance in the NFC Championship game. Laughably, at least for Commanders fans, this came in 1995.

At 30 7/8″ and 30 1/4″ arm length, Rueben Bain and Cashius Howell would have the shortest arms for an EDGE rusher drafted in the first round since at least 1999.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 26, 2026

The prospect stated that teams have not asked him about the arm length. They’ve been more focused on his mentality, production, and a supreme fire that burns within. Bain’s been firmly focused on leaving a good impression, keeping the main thing the main thing. But when it comes to the crunch, there will be reservations.

It comes down to fit. How can Bain’s obvious talents be fully unleashed while also minimizing any risk his short arms may have from a performance standpoint at the highest level of competition? Dominating college offensive tackles is one thing. Doing it in the NFL is something else entirely.

What sort of arsenal does he have? Is he beating college offensive tackle prospects who’ll be playing on Sundays? Does he have the correct (or any) counters? What can he be taught?

Those are arguably much more important questions that will likely determine where Bain is drafted, and if the Commanders are interested.

While this will no doubt be taken into account, it doesn’t detract from the fact that Bain could be a high-impact prospect in the pros.

He’s all business. He’s got a ruthless streak that’s hard not to love. He’s an overwhelming presence, especially when early momentum is generated. He’s all about football and not much else. More importantly, Bain is the sort of tone-setting presence head coach Dan Quinn is going to love.

And nobody can measure that.