2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ronnie Bell (WR – Michigan)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Ronnie Bell.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ronnie Bell (WR – Michigan)

Ronnie Bell (WR – Michigan)

6’0″ – 190 lbs.

Background:

Fifth-year player who caught 8-145-2 as a freshman before taking over the starting slot job the following year and finishing with 46-739-1 (16.1) on 83 targets. Took about half of his snaps in the slot in the shortened 2020 season, finishing with 26-401-1 (15.4) on 38 targets. Season ended in the opener of the 2021 season (knee), then rebounded this past year with 58% of his snaps coming outside, finishing with the most productive and efficient season of his collegiate career, assembling a 62-892-4 (14.4) line on 97 targets.

Positives:

Three-year starter with experience both inside and outside; size is just okay for an outside receiver but solid in the slot. Smooth mover whose build-up speed is sufficient to force defenses to account for him downfield. Has relatively detailed footwork and the quickness to create windows for quick throws when releasing. Uses his hands well to prevent defenders from jabbing successfully; also uses a nice swim move to slip past defenders sitting in zones. Locates and settles into soft spots when working against zone coverage. Has impressive flexibility and body control to adjust to off-target throws, with good awareness and footwork near the sideline. Shows some elusiveness to weave through traffic after the catch and was occasionally fed the ball on screens and other routes of that nature.

Negatives:

Frame is on the thin side and lacks ideal functional strength; could struggle to release against press coverage at the next level, and timing often gets disrupted when dealing with physicality. Would like to see a little bit more hip sink and explosiveness at the route stem; tends to go through a bit high and may struggle to create separation against man coverage at the pro level without getting his pad level down more consistently, especially because he lacks ideal speed. Hands are closer to adequate, with fifteen drops against 143 career receptions. Caught just 20% of his career contested catches. Not the most willing or physical blocker; turns down opportunities to engage defenders when possible. 2021 knee injury will be examined during the pre-draft process.

Summary:

An experienced, productive receiver with above-average quickness, suddenness, and flexibility, but lacking functional strength and physicality may make it difficult for him to work against press coverage and limits his value in the blocking game. Experience both inside and outside may help him draw mid-round interest, likely beginning his career as a versatile reserve option who can work underneath zone coverages.

Projection: Round 5