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Jaheim Bell Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Dangerous receiving tight end
- Smooth route runner
- Tracks the ball well
- Late hands
- Yards after the catch
- Good feel
- Finds the soft spot in zone
- Able to make leaping grabs
- Red-zone weapon
- Adjusts well to the ball
- Goal-line running back
- Upside
- Athletic
Weaknesses:
- Small, undersized
- Limited to being an F tight end
- Not a good blocker
- Size limitations
Prospect Summary:
Florida State had a resurgent season in 2023, led by a lot of players who came through the transfer portal. Bell was one of those players, as he was a nice acquisition after two quality seasons for South Carolina. With the Gamecocks in 2022 (25-231-2) and 2021 (30-497-5), Bell flashed some receiving ability. He then caught 39 passes in 2023 with the Seminoles for 503 yards and two touchdowns. Bell also had a tremendous touchdown on a carry in the season opener against LSU.
Bell has the potential to be a mismatch receiving tight end thanks to his quickness, athleticism and feel. He is smooth as a route-runner, and linebackers can struggle to run with him. Bell tracks the ball well downfield and shows late hands to make the catch even when defenders are close. Via his quickness and athleticism, Bell is dangerous with the ball in his hands to rip off additional yardage after the catch.
As a blocker, Bell is undersized and needs to get stronger to be more effective against NFL defenders. Along with being small, Bell can struggle to get in good position and tie up defenders. Bell is never going to be a great blocker in the pros, because his size limitations are going to limit what he can do against defensive ends and linebackers.
Bell could be a mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and end up being a nice contributor as a rotational tight end.
Prospect Comparison:
Irv Smith Jr. Bell compares well with Smith coming out of Alabama. Both are receiving tight ends who are undersized and face limitations as blockers.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
