Rookie Scouting Profile: WR David Bell

David Bell (WR) Purdue

Height	Weight	40-Time	DOB	NFL Draft	Dynasty ADP	NFL Comp
6-1	212	4.65	12/14/2000	Day 2	1.11	Anquan Boldin

College Production

It didn’t take long for Bell to become an impact player at Purdue. As a freshman in 2019, he averaged more than seven receptions per game while topping 1,000 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. This was enough to get him on the Freshman All-American team and named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

He followed his freshman campaign up with an even more impressive 2020. Despite just six starts due to Covid limitations, he caught just under nine receptions per game snagging 53 passes for 625 yards and eight TDs. Then last season he was named the Big Ten Receiver of the Year. Despite missing two games he still caught 93 passes for 1,286 yards and six TDs.

Strengths

Excellent route runner.
Has the skill set to line up inside or outside.
Elusive with the ball in his hands. Ideal possession receiver.
Able to add yards after the catch.
Good balance and body control.
Willing to make the tough catches in traffic.
Full route tree.
Very crafty.

Weaknesses

Lacks elite speed.
Not a high-level deep threat.
Seems disinterested in blocking.
Didn’t fare as well in contested-catch situations as you’d like to see with his size.

Fantasy Outlook

Due to a subpar 40 time and lack of high-end straight-line speed Bell may fall to the second round in a deep wide receiver draft. However, I often say a lot of teams would draft better if there was no combine and this may be a prime example. This kid is very good at his job and has the skillset and intangibles to be a tremendous NFL player.

He may not be a human highlight reel like some of the burners in this year’s draft, nevertheless, he is a much better player than many of them. Bell will be a candidate to become a triple-digit reception and double-digit touchdown guy. The subtle nuances and creative route running in his game combined with soft hands and a willingness to make the tough plays will certainly indear him to hometown fans wherever he might land.

There are a few places where he would be a great fit for the next level. Minnesota comes to mind as he could be the heir to Adam Thielen’s job opposite Justin Jefferson or Philly paired with Devonta Smith. However, the ideal fit may be in New England. They have long waited for a WR1 and he fits their offense perfectly. He’s a primarily intermediate and short route runner which meshes well with Mac Jones and has the understanding of his position that Bill Belichick will love. Plus unlike the other teams, I mentioned their long-term quarterback situation seems to be stable.