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Photo of Joel Bell
Grade
?
  • 5.15 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 27 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 30.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 109.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.55 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.57 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'7" Height
  • 315LBS. Weight

Overview

Bell won all-conference honors in each of his three seasons as a starter at left tackle for the Paladins, although his future may lay on the strong side in the NFL. He was also named an All-American as a senior due to his pass protection and run-blocking skills. Relatively inexperienced in football after living in Egypt and Croatia (his parents were missionaries) until returning to the United States in 2001, Bell is a potential swing tackle with loads of upside. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Strengths: Prototypical height, excellent physique and good strength with room on his frame to grow. Dominated defensive ends at the FCS level using his size and solid athleticism. Good initial kick-slide, then uses his long arms to hold off most defenders. Latches onto smaller ends and drives them backward or puts them on the ground, and plays through the whistle. Better feet and straight-ahead quickness in space than expected for his size; can get out in front of screens and get to linebackers at the second level. Able to get the outside shoulder of his man and provide a nice seal on the edge. Durable. Weaknesses: Fires off the ball but tends to lunge at defenders, especially on the second level. Does not bend his knees enough and is a bit slow in lateral movement when pass protecting, but got away with it against lower-level competition. Must sustain blocks longer in pass pro and on the run. Needs to improve his punch as he is inconsistent knocking his defender off balance. Will miss quicker defenders in space, and is a bit slow to react when they change direction. Comes out of his run stance high, which is expected due to his height. May have trouble staying low in short-yardage situations against shorter defensive ends. Does not recover quickly when on the ground.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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