4 day-two NFL Draft prospects who could make an immediate impact
By Reese Nasser
David Bell, Wide Reciever Purdue
Purdue’s David Bell isn’t held in the same regard as some of the other receivers in this year’s class, but he probably should be. He is one of the most productive players in all of football and is a threat whenever he touches the ball.
Bell finished his collegiate career with three successful seasons at Purdue. He recorded 232 receptions, 2946 receiving yards, and 21 touchdowns. He produced these numbers while playing in a strong Big 10 conference in an offense where he was the focal point.
His 2021 season proved to be Bell’s best stretch of football. He played in 11 games last season and recorded career-highs in both yards and receptions. He totaled 93 catches, 1286 yards, and six touchdowns.
Over the last season, Bell posted 200+ receiving yards on two different occasions. Once against Iowa, and once against Michigan State. Over these two games, he racked up 457 yards and 22 receptions.
At 6-2 and 205 pounds, Bell brings both strength and size to the wide receiver position. He regularly won against whoever guarded him in coverage, often overpowering them.
Much of the success that Bell had was also due to his ability to haul in nearly every ball thrown his way. He caught at least 11 passes in four of Purdue’s 13 games in 2021. He also didn’t have a game with less than five receptions at all last season.
The area that many believe will hurt Bell at the next level is his speed. He isn’t the fastest receiver, which may impact some areas of his game at the next level. But even when looking past his speed, it can’t be denied that Bell is productive. He has proven that he can get open against nearly anyone. As long as he can get the ball in his hands, there is an opportunity for something big to happen.
Bell recorded over 1000 yards after the catch during his three seasons. This past season, he averaged nearly six yards after the catch.
If Bell can fall into a situation where he doesn’t have to be a team’s main receiving option, Bell could help tear opposing defenses apart. He has the ability to work in all areas of the field and could produce immediately at the next level.