(2022) David Bell - Wide Receiver - Purdue

 

6’2 

205 lbs

Junior

Write-Up:

David Bell, a 6’2, 205 pound Junior out of Purdue is a technically sound and physical wide receiver. He put up fantastic production in a limited Purdue offense and debatably outperformed NFL receiver Rondale Moore in the few games both played together in 2020. While he lined up mostly outside at Purdue, Bell’s skillset has also been shown to translate well into a slot role at times as well. 

Though Bell lacks elite level speed, he is a highly intelligent and skilled route runner with plenty of moves to create initial separation both at release and during a route. He is phenomenal at creating leverage and body position against opposing DBs and is not afraid of using physicality to do so. In doing this, he also excels at creating contact and potential for DPI calls. He not only has very solid and dependable hands, his catch radius is also quite large as he displays the ability to high-point the football very well. Bell does not shy away from contact with the ball in his hands and fights for extra yards no matter what. 

As mentioned earlier, Bell lacks the speed to create true separation from defenders. While he has good acceleration, the lack of vertical speed could mean he struggles at getting open down the field, as well as not being able to be used in screens or jet sweep plays. While Bell is not a bad run blocker, he definitely has a ways to go in that department. 

Overall, David Bell projects to be a solid possession receiver in the NFL. While the lack of speed may limit his effectiveness for big plays, his route running and knowledge of leverage and body position helps him to create a large catch radius despite the lack of separation. He has sure hands and the potential to have an expansive route tree that may lead to slot success in the NFL. To truly succeed at the next level, Bell should be paired with a QB both willing and able to make tight-window throws, as well as a complementary receiver that can take the top off the defense, allowing Bell to get open underneath much easier.

Breakdown videos-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FG8kSO51LYw (Fantasy Flock)

• David Bell (FR) outperformed Rondale Moore (SO) in 2020

• Commanded large target share/offensive yards as a Jr in 2021 (29%)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsjYxy5cOoo (Matt Waldman)

• Intelligent player, detail-oriented

• Decent run blocker

• Quick cuts, though lack of vertical speed

• Physical, not afraid of contact

• Good footwork and moves to create spacing from the release

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ0VqHpKb5g (Joe Broback)

2020-

Vs Minnesota (1-3)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx9cKRbSb3o&list=PLXznDQR5b7lH3Cyeyh8j4Wyq9Wj_eMKH0&index=49

• 2nd Option to Rondale

• 1 TD beats Zone coverage on a streak w/ speed

• 1 TD beats Man coverage with good, physical play and a great snag through contact

• Not the worst, but definitely not a good run blocker

• Creates separation through route running and physicality rather than speed most times.

2021-

Vs. #12 Notre Dame (2-0)

7 Rec, 64 Yds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRhcQnAzwnE

• More physical than expected, very good at drawing contact/PI, though a bit handsy himself.

• Used in the screen game, mainly out wide but also in the slot at times.

• QB play definitely limits him, many quick 1 read throws that don't allow Bell to get open.

• Not very explosive off the line, though definitely not slow when he gets going

• Pretty solid hands, good at getting body position and focusing on the ball.

Vs #2 Iowa (6-0)

11 Rec, 240 Yds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAjxru4g0OA 

• Great show of route running from Bell, jab steps, double moves, head fakes, quick cuts. 

• Very large catch radius, much larger than him most times.

• Fantastic at leverage, getting body position

• Good acceleration, but not world-beater speed.

Grade: A-

Draft Projection: Late 1st/Early to Mid 2nd Round

NFL Comparable- Adam Thielen