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The NFL is moving full steam ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. After teams began offseason workout programs, they are now finalizing their draft boards.
Wednesday marked the final day for NFL franchises to host Top-30 visits with prospects. Now, just one week remains until teams open the first round in Pittsburgh.
One prospect who made numerous visits is Miami (FL) EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., a polarizing figure among draft experts and media.
MORE: Los Angeles Rams roasted by fans for underwhelming new logo
Bain is undoubtedly a talented player with massive upside. However, concerns begin with his measurables and how they could limit his abilities at the professional level.
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) rushes the passer against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
Earlier this week, reports surfaced linking Bain to a fatal car crash in 2024. Authorities cited him for careless driving that led to a passenger’s coma and subsequent death.
Ollie Connolly brought this news forward, writing a detailed account of the incident. Teams reportedly began investigating, though many — including NFL insiders — were already aware of the situation.
Now, a prominent voice in NFL draft media has criticized Connolly’s report on Bain. Todd McShay joined the Stugotz and Company show on Thursday to share his opinion on both the report and its timing, going as far as to call Connolly a “scumbag.”
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft top defensive linemen
“I know several respected insiders who had this information, and it’s not indicative of who Reuben Bain is as a person. Honestly, I think the person that posted this is kind of a scumbag, the timing of it. ‘Look at me, click on my (article),’” McShay said.
Oct 5, 2019; Morgantown, WV, USA; ESPN broadcaster Todd McShay talks along the sidelines during the fourth quarter at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
He then revealed that teams were already aware of the incident.
“NFL teams have already been aware of this information, vetted this information. The only concern is, will more come up after the fact?” McShay continued.
McShay acknowledged that Bain made a serious mistake but emphasized that his character remains strong. He added that another factor concerns him more than the incident.
MORE: NFL draft prospects who could become biggest steals in 2026
“The short arms are going to factor into where he gets drafted much more than that unfortunate incident.” McShay told the show.
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The timing of the story is far from ideal for Bain. However, Connolly did not act improperly in his reporting. He cited strong sourcing and presented the facts as they were.
The only real point of contention is the timing. McShay’s response arguably made the situation more dramatic than necessary.
Was Connolly’s reporting unjustified, or was it simply the release of accurate information once it came to light?
Continue reading...
Wednesday marked the final day for NFL franchises to host Top-30 visits with prospects. Now, just one week remains until teams open the first round in Pittsburgh.
One prospect who made numerous visits is Miami (FL) EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., a polarizing figure among draft experts and media.
MORE: Los Angeles Rams roasted by fans for underwhelming new logo
Bain is undoubtedly a talented player with massive upside. However, concerns begin with his measurables and how they could limit his abilities at the professional level.
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Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) rushes the passer against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
Earlier this week, reports surfaced linking Bain to a fatal car crash in 2024. Authorities cited him for careless driving that led to a passenger’s coma and subsequent death.
Ollie Connolly brought this news forward, writing a detailed account of the incident. Teams reportedly began investigating, though many — including NFL insiders — were already aware of the situation.
Now, a prominent voice in NFL draft media has criticized Connolly’s report on Bain. Todd McShay joined the Stugotz and Company show on Thursday to share his opinion on both the report and its timing, going as far as to call Connolly a “scumbag.”
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft top defensive linemen
“I know several respected insiders who had this information, and it’s not indicative of who Reuben Bain is as a person. Honestly, I think the person that posted this is kind of a scumbag, the timing of it. ‘Look at me, click on my (article),’” McShay said.
You must be registered for see images
Oct 5, 2019; Morgantown, WV, USA; ESPN broadcaster Todd McShay talks along the sidelines during the fourth quarter at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images
He then revealed that teams were already aware of the incident.
“NFL teams have already been aware of this information, vetted this information. The only concern is, will more come up after the fact?” McShay continued.
McShay acknowledged that Bain made a serious mistake but emphasized that his character remains strong. He added that another factor concerns him more than the incident.
MORE: NFL draft prospects who could become biggest steals in 2026
“The short arms are going to factor into where he gets drafted much more than that unfortunate incident.” McShay told the show.
You must be registered for see images attach
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) against the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The timing of the story is far from ideal for Bain. However, Connolly did not act improperly in his reporting. He cited strong sourcing and presented the facts as they were.
The only real point of contention is the timing. McShay’s response arguably made the situation more dramatic than necessary.
Was Connolly’s reporting unjustified, or was it simply the release of accurate information once it came to light?
Continue reading...
