Markel Bell Scouting Report

Markell Bell is an OT prospect with exceptional size and length, which gives him the projection to be a starting tackle for the next decade.

Draft Grade: Round 3 - Adequate Starter

Strengths:

Size: Bell is 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds with over 36-inch arms. He is a rare offensive tackle prospect from a height, weight, and length perspective, which serves as the foundation for his potential to be a starter and a longtime contributor in the NFL.

Length: Bell has exceptional arm length and wingspan, which aid his effectiveness in both the run game and pass protection. He can use his length to force defenders around him, making them run the outside arc, which results in them running themselves out of the path of the quarterback. In the run game, Bell is able to easily make contact with defenders, disrupting their process; he is also able to cover them up and overwhelm them, removing their opportunity to free themselves to find the ball carrier and make a play.

Pass Protection: In pass protection, Bell appears to have the tools and the mental temperament to be an NFL starter. At the snap, Bell plays with good overall patience—not oversetting and understanding that he has great size, which allows him to play inside leverage and force defenders around him when they choose to use power to try and run through him. Bell also does a good job of anchoring, understanding his size, and is able to stop penetration from power rushes. Bell's upside as a pass protector is that of a starting left tackle, as he possesses the necessary physical tools.

Concerns:

Pad Level: Bell, standing at 6-foot-9, will have a natural pad leverage disadvantage against most, if not all, defenders. Bell’s high pad level allows defenders to get into his chest plate in the run game and allows them to disengage. In pass protection, his high pad level makes him susceptible to bull rushes, as defenders will have the leverage advantage. Consequently, edge rushers with a combination of size, speed, and power can find consistent success against Bell because of these leverage issues.

Lateral Agility: Bell’s reactionary lateral movements appear to be a concern at times; his footwork needs to be cleaned up, and regathering body control also appears to be an issue. Moving laterally to account for delayed blitzers, twists, and stunts—or pass rushers who take counter outside-to-inside or inside-to-outside tracks—can give Bell issues when he is forced to move laterally.