2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jaheim Bell (TE – Florida State)

The college football season is almost over, so FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Jaheim Bell.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jaheim Bell

Jaheim Bell (TE – Florida State)

6’3” – 239 lbs.

Background:

Originally attended South Carolina, where he spent the first three years of his career. Appeared in five games as a freshman, then started five of 13 games played the following year, with an impressive 30-497-5 (16.6) line. Wasn’t quite as productive over a similar number of snaps the following year (25-231-2, 9.2), but rebounded this year after transferring to the Seminoles and has had a good season so far (39-503-2 as of the time of writing.)

Positives:

Has been productive in two of his three seasons in school. Carries his weight well, with good musculature. Able to line up as an H-Back, in the slot, or even (rarely) split out wide. Able to successfully line up opponents in space, or when coming across the formation and cracking an opponent. Gets good extension and shows active leg drive after engaging. Generally does a pretty good job of staying within his frame when blocking. Smooth mover, even when lined up as a receiver; builds up speed relatively quickly and doesn’t have to shift down much through his routes. Flexible with good balance through his routes. Shows the ability to separate with his releases against man when working from the slot. Settles into soft spots in zone. Looks good with the ball in his hands, and the team tried to scheme him some looks in space on releases into the flats and even some screens; able to weave through traffic and make some defenders miss.

Negatives:

Doesn’t have the biggest frame. Grip strength to sustain looks to be closer to average; would like to see him maintain his blocks through the whistle more consistently. Motor appears to run a little hot and old in the run game. Very rarely retained in pass protection. Doesn’t consistently run the snappiest routes; tends to glide through a bit. Was a reliable receiver back in 2021, but percentage of passes dropped has creeped up a bit over the years.

Summary:

Has taken around half of his snaps from the slot or split out wide this year, and, despite his size, shows the smooth movement skills and flexibility to gain separation and function as a big receiver. Could use a bit more nastiness as a blocker, but has adequate form and has shown the ability to line up as a tight end or H-Back and execute some different assignments there as well. Was able to recover some of his 2021 form this year and could end up coming off the board in the mid rounds.

Projection: Round 4-5