The Kansas City Chiefs rotated through three starting left tackles this season because of injuries. The team also started four separate linemen at right tackle. Kansas City needs to add as much depth along the offensive line as possible, especially with Patrick Mahomes returning from a torn ACL.
Miami Hurricanes left tackle Markel Bell is an imposing 6’9″, 340 lbs. presence capable of engulfing defenders and erasing their impact as pass rushers. He frequently loses the leverage battle because of his naturally high pad level, but moving 340 lbs. isn’t easy. Bell’s wide frame and well-developed build make him a difficult obstacle for defenders to navigate.
Bell also possesses elite arm length. His official measurements at the NFL Scouting Combine will rank among the best for any player in this draft class. Bell’s length allows him to keep pass rushers at a distance and prevent them from accessing his frame. His grip strength locks down opponents and prevents them from reviving their pass rushes.
Bell dominates reps when he gets into the defender’s pads. Few players have the strength to break Bell’s grip. That arm length also makes it easier for Bell to frame defenders and keep them from threatening his shoulders. He occasionally deploys a devastating club that re-routes the defender and forcibly shifts their gap.
Bell projects as a late-round selection to priority undrafted free agent because of his limitations. His size and high hips limit his agility and foot speed. He doesn’t gain enough width and depth in his kick step to protect his outside shoulder, and wide-alignment rushers find success applying pressure quickly while working against Bell.
Bell struggles to halt his momentum and redirect inside to cut off B-gap attacks. He lacks the agility to mirror twitchy defenders who suddenly exchange gaps. This is a significant issue if he misses his initial punch in pass protection. Bell spends too much time bending at his waist and overextending to maintain contact, leaving him vulnerable to counters.
Despite his size, Bell fails to generate consistent movement in the run game. His high pad level makes it easier for defenders to stack him at the point of attack and prevent run plays from developing.
The Miami Hurricanes face the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff National Championship tonight on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. CT. The Hoosiers lack superstars along the defensive line, but defensive end Mikail Kamara produced more than 55 pressures in each of the past two seasons. That’s the matchup to keep an eye on for Bell.
