David Bell NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 205 lbs
School: Purdue University
40 Yard Dash: 4.65
3 Cone Drill: 7.14
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.57
David Bell 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Bell played wide receiver for Purdue University. He began his football career in high school at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bell earned a starting position at Purdue as a Freshman, earning Freshman of the Week honors on four separate occasions. Bell highlighted his Freshman season with nine receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns against Maryland. He would go on to rack up 86 receptions for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns in his first year for the Boilermakers.
Bell’s Sophomore season was cut short thanks to Covid-19. He registered 53 receptions with 625 yards and eight touchdowns. Bell was named co-offensive player of the year in the Big 10 after a monster, but shortened season.
Bell’s Junior season was his best season at Purdue. He caught 93 passes for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns. Bell was the primary receiver for the explosive Purdue offense. Both David Bell and the Boilermakers exploded against two top teams this last season. Purdue beat #2 ranked Iowa University and #3 ranked Michigan State University. Bell showed out with 11 receptions and 240 yards with a touchdown in a 24-7 win vs. Iowa. The star receiver caught 11 more passes for 217 yards and another touchdown against Michigan State. Bell’s explosive performance helped to solidify his draft stock, as well as huge victories against Big 10 rivals.
David Bell was elite today against No. 3 Michigan State ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/87gJNnvHEG
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 6, 2021
Strengths
- Size and strength;
- Heavy volume at Purdue University;
- Great after the catch with elusiveness and strength;
- Expanded route tree;
- Good hands with above-average catch range.
Weaknesses
- Lack of explosiveness;
- Poor win rate on downfield catches;
- Unassuming top speed;
- Tendency to push off defenders leading to offensive pass interference.
NFL Comparison: Zay Jones, Josh Palmer
Teams With Needs at Wide Receiver: Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers
Prediction: Round 2-3
Bottom Line on David Bell
The former Boilermaker was an absolute star in college. Bell was a menace against Big 10 secondaries. He played up to and above his competition on multiple occasions. The future NFL wideout showcased his potential against #2 ranked Iowa and #3 Michigan State with 22 catches, 457, yards, and two touchdowns.
Bell is an above-average wideout that could compete for a starting position immediately. His hand size, catch range, versatility, and physicality should elevate his draft stock to the second round. He could potentially slide into the third round due to his lack of explosiveness and tendency to get physical with defenders.
David Bell breaks down his game 📊 pic.twitter.com/vltkawvCNP
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 3, 2022
This big-bodied wide receiver will make a valuable asset for any team thanks to his competitiveness and versatile route tree. Bell would fit in well with teams needing pass catchers. Green Bay has a history of avoiding wide receivers in the first round and is deficient in pass catchers with the departure of Devante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Catching passes from MVP Aaron Rodgers could give the former Boilermaker the opportunity he needs to make a splash in the NFL.
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