Barring any shocking developments, the Kansas City Chiefs will enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a glaring need for an edge rusher. That's why they boldly decided to trade up for the University of Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. in Cody Williams of FanSided's latest three-round projections.
There are valid questions about Bain after his arm length came in at just under 31 inches at the Scouting Combine. Yet, that doesn't appear to be enough to prevent him from being a coveted prospect. Williams has the Chiefs sending the Arizona Cardinals a sizable haul for the right to choose the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Williams argues that Bain's brutal measurements work in Kansas City's favor. It offers the Chiefs a chance they likely wouldn't have otherwise, and in this scenario, the team wastes no time capitalizing on the opportunity:
"Before the Combine, there was probably no chance that the Chiefs thought Rueben Bain Jr. would even fall into range for them," Williams wrote. "But with the arm length conversation pushing him down just slightly, they make an aggressive move up as the Cardinals trade back for a second time in the Top 10 picks.
New 2026 NFL mock draft projects Chiefs to make bold trade up for Miami EDGE Reuben Bain Jr.
Kansas City gives Arizona this year's Nos. nine and 74 overall selections, plus a 2027 second-rounder, to climb to the No. 7 spot, per Williams. The Chiefs also collect a 2027 third-rounder as part of the deal, but more importantly, they land Bain.
Bain's combination of explosiveness, power and competitiveness counteract the well-chronicled blemish on his profile. He also has elite bend and an incredibly high motor, enabling him to be a difference-maker against the pass or rush. So, while there's risk involved, Williams suggested that the pros outweigh the cons for Kansas City.
Williams called Bain "an elite edge defender who consistently showcased the ability to generate pressure and defend the run at a high level." The Hurricanes star has the makings of "a force multiplier" for a Kansas City defense sorely lacking impact players on the outside. That's music to Chief Kingdom's ears.
Physical limitations aside, Bain's outstanding production at Miami speaks for itself. He racked up 33.5 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks across three collegiate campaigns, looking the part of a legitimate game-wrecker. His efforts this past season were vital to the Hurricanes reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship and earned him Consensus All-American honors.