Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell enjoyed a productive week of practice at this year’s Senior Bowl. A versatile move tight end, Bell consistently made plays in the passing game throughout individual and team drills. Bell appeared capable of making an immediate impact at the next level.
Bell's solid showings confirm that he's among the most intriguing tight end prospects available in the 2024 NFL Draft. Bell’s versatility will allow him to positively impact an NFL offense from a variety of alignments. That makes Bell a desirable prospect. With that in mind, we've identified three ideal team fits for Bell.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
The Bengals rolled the dice at the tight end position this season when they signed Irv Smith Jr. to replace Hayden Hurst. Smith Jr. is an athletic pass-catcher who hadn’t yet reached his performance ceiling. Unfortunately, he continued to disappoint by accounting for just 115 receiving yards in 12 regular-season appearances.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor ended up relying on Tanner Hudson and Drew Sample at the position, two players that possess more of a block-first mentality. Taylor didn't receive appropriate production from the players tasked with replacing Hurst.
Joe Burrow will be healthy in 2024. The long-term futures of Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have yet to be defined. Drafting a pass-catching tight end like Bell would make the Bengals’ offense more versatile heading into what should be a bounce-back season for the franchise.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers must add a more productive tight end to their offense this offseason. I'm not convinced new general manager Joe Horitz will utilize the No. 5 overall selection on Brock Bowers, either. Horitz and head coach Jim Harbaugh are likelier to target a wide receiver like Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers with that pick.
If the Chargers go in that direction, they'll have to target a tight end like Bell with a mid-round selection. Gerald Everett is scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency in March. This offseason is all about surrounding franchise quarterback Justin Herbert with the best supporting cast of his career. Herbert would appreciate having a weapon like Bell at his disposal as he prepares to execute Harbaugh's offense.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Dalton Schultz signed a one-year contract worth $6.2 million with the Texans last offseason after failing to land the multi-year contract he desired elsewhere. Schultz bet on himself and his gamble proved to be worthwhile as he produced 635 receiving yards and five touchdowns in Houston's offense. Schultz's preferred term and asking price will increase.
The Texans possess cap space in abundance, but what are they willing to commit to Schultz knowing they roster a bunch of young players that will also command lucrative extensions soon? Even if Schultz returns, drafting young weapons while continuing to build around C.J. Stroud is a fantastic idea. I'd love to watch Bell build chemistry with Stroud in Bobby Slowik's creative offense.
