Chiefs Eye Miami Hurricanes’ OT Markel Bell for Scouting Report

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to bolster their offensive line depth as they prepare for the upcoming season. With notable injuries leading to three different starting left tackles and four right tackles last year, strengthening this position is crucial, especially with quarterback Patrick Mahomes returning from a torn ACL.

Chiefs Eyeing Markel Bell from Miami Hurricanes

The Chiefs have turned their attention to Markel Bell, the left tackle from the Miami Hurricanes. Standing at an impressive 6’9″ and weighing 340 pounds, Bell is a formidable player capable of overpowering defenders. His considerable size creates significant challenges for pass rushers.

Strengths and Skills

• Imposing physical presence: Bell’s 340-pound frame allows him to dominate defenders.
• Elite arm length: His reach ranks among the best in the draft class, enabling him to maintain distance from pass rushers.
• Grip strength: Bell’s ability to lock down opponents limits their effectiveness during plays.

When Bell engages with defenders, he often excels, especially when getting into their pads. His powerful technique often prevents defenders from countering effectively. Additionally, Bell possesses a devastating club move that can re-route defenders, further showcasing his strength.

Areas for Improvement

Despite his strengths, there are a few limitations in Bell’s game. His naturally high pad level often causes him to lose leverage. Additionally, his agility and foot speed are concerns due to his size and high hips.

• Poor kick step width can leave his outside shoulder vulnerable.
• Struggles to redirect quickly against agile defenders due to a lack of mobility.
• Challenges in run blocking are evident, as defenders can stack him at the point of attack.

Bell is projected to be a late-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent, indicating the need for teams to evaluate his potential against the highlighted areas for improvement.

Upcoming Matchup to Watch

The Miami Hurricanes are set to face the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This game, scheduled for January 19 at 6:30 p.m. CT, will serve as an important opportunity for Bell to showcase his skills.

The Hoosiers’ defensive end, Mikail Kamara, is a player to watch. He has recorded over 55 pressures in each of the past two seasons, making this an essential matchup for Bell as he aims to highlight his abilities and potentially improve his draft stock.