Pittsburgh Steelers host 'mountainous' Miami tackle Markel Bell for pre-draft visit as team ramps up April prep

The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell to their practice facility Friday as the team begins to host out-of-town prospects ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. The visit put Bell’s rare physical traits and collegiate resume squarely in focus as the club evaluates possible targets in the days before the draft in April.

Pittsburgh Steelers bring prospects in as draft preparations accelerate

The Steelers are using their allotted visits to bring in up to 30 out-of-town prospects in the days leading into the draft in April, and Bell was among the visitors on a recent Friday. The visit underscores the team’s interest in evaluating players in person, giving coaches and staff a chance to assess size, movement and how a prospect carries himself at a team facility.

Markel Bell's measurements, college resume and combine numbers

Bell stands out physically at 6-foot-9 and 346 pounds, a profile described as monumental among linemen. He spent two seasons with Miami, starting five games as a junior before becoming the team’s full-time left tackle last fall. That season ended with Miami as the runner-up in the 2025 CFP national championship, and Bell was recognized with third-team All-ACC honors.

Before Miami, Bell began his college career at Holmes Community College in his home state, where he earned NJCAA All-Region honors in 2023. He is a native of Cleveland, Miss.

On the testing side, Bell posted a 5. 36-second time in the 40-yard dash at the combine, a mark that tied for last among the 39 linemen who ran. Observers note that his value is not tied to straight-line speed. His arm length—measured at 36 3/8 inches—provides a wide wingspan that contributes to his on-field reach.

How evaluators view Bell's upside and challenges

A draft analyst, Lance Zierlein, characterized Bell as a "mountainous tackle with rare physical attributes that work both in his favor and against him depending on the situation. " The assessment highlights a trade-off: exceptional size and reach on one hand, and a high center of gravity that can affect change-of-direction and consistent engagement in run blocking on the other. Those traits were central to the evaluation process during his visit with the Steelers.

What the visit means for Bell and the Steelers

The pre-draft visit offered the Steelers a direct look at Bell’s frame and background, combining his college starting experience, postseason recognition and measurable traits. For Bell, the trip was an opportunity to be evaluated up close as teams finalize their draft boards in the run-up to April. Details and outcomes from the visit may continue to emerge as clubs firm up their draft plans.

Recent updates indicate this pre-draft visit was part of the Steelers’ concentrated evaluation period; details about follow-up meetings or decisions may evolve as draft day approaches.