*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Bell Projected to Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft
Updated Jan. 17, 2022By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Over the past decade, college football has produced one good wide receiver draft class after another, and the 2022 NFL Draft should follow suit. There could be a large number of wide receivers who go in the first round, with a deep class that sees quality prospects extend into Day 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft. One receiver who has received some first-round projections is Purdue’s David Bell. In speaking to team sources from five different NFL teams, however, they all said their grades on him were later than the first round, with the consensus being the second day of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Rondale Moore was a freshman sensation for Purdue, and Bell kept that recent tradition going at his debut in 2019. Bell hauled in 86 passes for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns that season. He then played well in the shortened 2020 season, catching 53 balls for 625 yards and eight touchdowns. The junior had his best season in 2021 with 93 receptions for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has quality size for the next level.
“He has size and is productive, but lacks speed,” said a director of player personnel. “I don’t see a first but a good player.”
Speed concerns were mentioned by a number of other evaluators. Thus, it will be critical for Bell to produce some better than expected 40 times in the leadup to the 2022 NFL Draft. If he does that, he could improve his standing. At this time, the consensus has Bell as a second- or third-round pick.
