David Bell Key Stats:
Wide Receiver, Purdue
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 212
Combine: Really really bad
RAS: 3.97
Games Watched:
Notre Dame, Iowa, Minnesota (2020), Ohio State, Iowa (2020), Michigan State
Positives Scouts Saw:
- Good size, hands, strength
- Good release on the perimeter
- Tackle breaker
Negatives Scouts Saw:
- His combine
- Inconsistent route runner
- No real 2nd gear
Positives I Saw:
- Dynamic body control and ball skills
- Big possession player
- Great back shoulder/over the middle player
Negatives I Saw:
- Separation is an issue
- Dude gets away with offensive pass interference CONSTANTLY
- Plays slow at times
As A Prospect:
David Bell was a lock for early 2nd round draft capital until his poor combine showing. However, I still think his tape shows a guy that doesn’t need consistent separation to produce. He wins with his frame, hands, and catch radius. He doesn’t have the size to be a jump ball specialist but still has the potential to be a contributor. One of the brave leaders of Football Absurdity, Waleed Ismail, makes a great point about David Bell: he plays a lot quicker with the pads on than he got clocked at in Indianapolis. Bell could come in and win as a boundary WR2 in the NFL, but it might take time.
Fantasy Football Potential:
David Bell has no real value in redraft leagues this year, but that could change with his level of opportunity in the future. Bell isn’t going to be a league winner or a team’s first option, but he can be a strong supporting piece on a good offense and has the potential to be a solid role player for a team. In dynasty, I’ve seen Bell plummet and I’ll gladly take him near the end of the second round. He is near the bottom of my second tier of WRs, as a prospect with a limited ceiling but upside at his price point.
Overall:
Bell played second fiddle to Rondale Moore at Purdue in 2000, and when Moore was drafted Bell’s slot snaps doubled. However, I project him as an outside guy at the next level that has the flexibility to be moved around the field to exploit mismatches. His physical limitations might stop him from being the focal point of an offense, but he is absolutely an above-average second option and should have value in fantasy and reality. Bell caught 93 passes last year, so he has proven that he can be the focal point of an offense; the real question is how many opportunities he will get to be the true alpha in the NFL.
David Bell Reminds Me Of:
Tim Patrick
Grade: 82/100
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[Image Source: David Bell on Twitter]
