David Bell

It didn't take long for David Bell to produce at the collegiate level. As an 18-year-old true freshman, Bell broke out with a 26% dominator rating, 1,035 receiving yards and 86 receptions. The Indianapolis native made the most of his opportunity with future second-round pick Rondale Moore sidelined with injury.

That's the same script that played out the following year with Moore limited to just three games in a truncated COVID-19 season, as Bell posted a 44% dominator rating with a 32% target share in 2020.

His first two years at Purdue were utterly impressive, so it comes as no surprise that he blew up his junior year as the bonafide No. 1 in the Boilermakers' offense. Bell finished third in the FBS in receiving yards on the outside (1,097), second in total forced missed tackles (25) and 10th in PFF receiving grade (86.9) among his draft class.

But there are elements to Bell's game that might limit him at the next level. His 28% career contest-target percentage ranks seventh in the FBS over the past three seasons, which is concerning given his tweener size.

It also reflects poorly on Bell's separation skills, which have not been great. His 44% separation percentage against single coverage ranks 76th out of 97 qualifying wide receivers (22nd percentile) since 2019.


His lack of athleticism is to blame for the red flags on his profile. At the combine, Bell posted a 33-inch vertical (21st percentile), 118″ broad jump (32nd percentile), 4.65 40-yard dash time (10th percentile), 7.14 3-cone drill (19th percentile) and 4.57 20-yard shuttle (2nd percentile).

Not ideal for a wide receiver pegged to potentially sneak into the back-end of Day 1 or top of Day 2.


It's not too surprising that at 6-foot-1 and 212 Bell wasn't a burner by any means, but the lack of explosiveness in the jumping drills and short-area quickness isn't ideal.

David Bell caught one of his two targets for 18 yards in a 17-10 loss to the Saints in Week 16.

Fantasy Impact

Bell returned from a one-game absence to finish second on the team in receiving yardage. The fact that is only took an 18-yard catch to achieve that feat indicates how things went for the Browns offense on a cold, windy day in Cleveland. The rookie out of Purdue has now caught 24 passes for 214 yards in 2022. He will take on the Commanders in Week 17.