How Will David Bell's Skills Translate to the NFL as a Rookie Wide Receiver?

Photo Credit: Dawg Pound Daily

Our thoughts on 2022 NFL rookie Wide Receiver, David Bell.

Measurables:

• 6’1" 212 lbs.

• 4.65 40-yard dash

• 33” Vertical Jump

• 9'10” Broad Jump

"...he has great body control and wins at the catch point with toughness..."

Strengths:

• Good size and body control (former basketball player)

• His strong hands don't allow many drops

• Tracks and adjusts to the ball well

• Escapes press with quick feet and hand swipes

• Physical demeanor helps take advantage of poor tackling

• Coaches say he consistently plays through minor injuries

• Purdue record 17-100 yard receiving games in 29 career games

• HC Jeff Brohm: "...phenomenal receiver and even better person."

• Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz called him "one of the best receivers I've ever coached against."

Weaknesses:

• Lacks explosion to shake defenders at the top of routes

• Average long speed and acceleration

• Long press corners can slow him down

• Not shifty and lacks change-of-direction skills

• Lacks creativity after the catch; takes what's given and nothing else

• Willing blocker but not a very good one

• Graded below average by PFF everywhere but on right side of the formation

Scouting Report

A 3-year starter at Purdue, Bell was the X-receiver in a spread offense, and lined up both inside and outside. David led the team in receiving each season and finished his career with 101.2 receiving yards per game. Bell doesn't have ideal speed or explosive traits by NFL standards, but he has great body control and wins at the catch point with toughness that should translate at the next level. He should develop into a high floor, low ceiling starter.