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Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. could be a fit for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Kansas City Chiefs have several different positional needs that they could target in the NFL draft at No. 9 overall, but the latest rumors have continuously predicted that KC will select Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr.
Granted, these are merely predictions, but when tapped-in NFL draft insiders begin to home in on one specific prospect, it’s worth taking note. And Bain to the Chiefs has been gaining steam in recent weeks.
Recently, the past two NFL.com mock drafts from Charles Davis and Mike Band both sent Bain to Kansas City at No. 9. In fact, whenever Bain falls to the Chiefs in mocks, it’s become very rare that the NFL-ready pass rusher makes it to No. 10.
So, this popular fit could simply be determined by the teams ahead of KC on the board.
“Grit, resolve and physicality are baked into Bain’s DNA,” veteran draft analyst and broadcaster Charles Davis wrote, explaining why the Chiefs would no doubt be interested.
Meanwhile, Band — who has a background in football analytics with Next Gen Stats — gave a longer rationale.
Stating: “The Chiefs can justify going in a few different directions here, but edge rusher feels like the cleanest intersection of need, board value and front-office philosophy. GM Brett Veach has been transparent about how hard it is to find impact edge players, and after Kansas City tied for 22nd in sacks in 2025 without getting much help opposite George Karlaftis, Bain fits the type of premium front-seven investment this regime has shown a willingness to make.
Rueben Bain’s NFL Comparisons Are Legendary Despite Questions About Frame & Arm Length
GettyMiami’s Rueben Bain Jr. appears to be lining up as a popular Kansas City Chiefs selection in the NFL draft.
Bain checks all the boxes from a Chiefs perspective, and general manager Brett Veach might sprint to the podium if the Miami star drops to No. 9.
The Ringer’s veteran draft expert Todd McShay describes the 6-foot-2 edge prospect as a “thickly built, power-based edge rusher with violent hands who’s an elite run defender and a highly disruptive pass rusher.”
McShay also called Bain a “freight train” on obvious passing downs. Simply put, the Hurricanes star has a knack for getting to the quarterback, and he does so with a tantalizing blend of power, technique, speed, and tenacity.
The knock on Bain has been “arm length limitations and position-fit concerns,” according to McShay. But the Chiefs could benefit from these assessments.
Originally pegged as a can’t-miss top-five pick, Bain has now dropped to the 7-10 range in most predictions. As noted above, he rarely falls past the Chiefs at No. 9.
Despite concerns about Bain’s arm length, he has a couple of legendary NFL comparisons.
McShay compares the Miami edge defender to Hall of Fame hopeful Terrell Suggs, while NFL Network scouting expert Lance Zierlein likens him to long-time Philadelphia Eagles star Brandon Graham.
The latter, Zierlein, concludes that “Bain’s explosive power and toughness should translate, giving him a high floor as an NFL starter.”
How Accurate Are the Latest Chiefs NFL Draft Rumors?
You never know how the board will fall on draft night, but Bain to the Chiefs feels like a match that could actually happen.
With Bain’s stock falling due to historically low arm measurements, there’s a legitimate chance he makes it to No. 9 overall. From there, the decision would lie with Kansas City.
Looking at Bain as a player, his skill set fits what the Chiefs typically target at defensive end.
Like Bain, Karlaftis was another gritty, powerful edge prospect who fell later than he should have. And Mike Danna was basically a poor man’s Bain, who had a much lower ceiling.
Replacing Danna with Bain would be good business. The incoming rookie is expected to start right out of the gates on early downs, and the Chiefs have an open vacancy at the position.
Michael Obermuller covers the NFL as an Associate Editor for Heavy Sports, where he began writing in 2021. His areas of focus include the NFL breaking news operation, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, with expert knowledge on each based on years of coverage. Michael is an NYC area native and Quinnipiac graduate. More about Michael Obermuller
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