Why the Chiefs Might Covet Hurricane’s Bain at Pick No. 9
Kansas City is closely observing the Miami Hurricanes, especially junior defensive end Rueben Bain. The Hurricanes recently secured three consecutive victories against ranked opponents, showcasing Bain’s significant contribution with a total of five sacks.
Miami’s Performance and the Fiesta Bowl
The Hurricanes, now ranked No. 10, will face off against No. 6 Ole Miss in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. CT. The matchup has drawn attention not only for its implications in the playoffs but also for its potential impact on the upcoming NFL Draft.
Chiefs’ Draft Strategy
The Kansas City Chiefs, holding the No. 9 pick in the NFL Draft, see Bain as a potential target. Experts predict he may not last long on the draft board, with ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid stating Bain’s power and versatility make him an attractive prospect.
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches
- Weight: 275 pounds
- Sacks this season: 8.5
The Need for Defensive Strength
Kansas City struggled with their pass rush last season, recording only 35 sacks, placing them 22nd in the NFL. The Chiefs invested heavily in their defense under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who prefers strong and dense defensive ends. Bain’s ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage aligns with the Chiefs’ defensive philosophy.
Bain’s Impact on Defense
In his remarkable season, Bain earned accolades as the 2025 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American. His performance significantly improved Miami’s defensive metrics, allowing just 13.1 points per game, a notable jump from the previous season where they allowed 25.3 points.
Third-Down Efficiency
The Chiefs faced challenges with third-down defense, ranking 26th against long conversions. Bain’s capability to pressure quarterbacks would be invaluable for Kansas City, potentially transforming their performance in critical situations.
- Chiefs’ third-down conversion rate in 2025: 27.7%
- Defensive ranking: 22nd in overall sacks
Conclusion
As the Chiefs look ahead to the draft, Rueben Bain stands out as a promising choice at No. 9. His unique skill set could enhance the Chiefs’ pass rush, addressing key weaknesses from the previous season and contributing to a more formidable defensive lineup.
