Massive left tackle Markel Bell showcases elite size and athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, turning heads with impressive measurements and potential to reshape an offensive line.
The Miami Hurricanes had 12 players declared for the upcoming NFL Draft, and all but two were invited to the Scouting Combine. Center James Brockermeyer and wide receiver Keelan Marion were left out of the pack. Three are projected first-rounders: edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., right tackle Francis Mauigoa, and edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.
That leaves others to use the Combine as an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of numerous NFL scouts, coaches, and front office personnel, including Markel Bell. He was the Hurricanes' full-time starting left tackle last season. After playing in all 16 games, the Mississippi native didn't allow a sack, but a total of 15 pressures and one quarterback hit in both the regular season and College Football Playoffs.
Bell's official measurements were released:
- Height: 6-9
- Weight: 346 pounds
- Arm: 36 3/8 inches
- Hand: 9 inches
- Wingspan: 87 1/8 inches
The left tackle is the third-tallest player to come through the Combine since 2003.
Bell ran the 40-yard dash and finished with a 5.36 time on his second attempt, which was a 14-second improvement from the first attempt. He's a freakishly-sized athlete, which organizations could look to utilize. The Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings had formal meetings with him, including the Cleveland Browns, whose entire starting offensive line is free agents.
The Browns and Vikings finished in the top-10 for most sacks allowed last season.
From the three teams that had a formal meeting with him, the Vikings could be the likely destination currently. They only have one left tackle on the roster, five-year veteran Christian Darrisaw. The organization currently owns at least one draft pick in all but the fourth round, including three seven-rounders.
The Hurricanes' path towards a National Championship appearance started with winning battles in the trenches. The offensive line was critical to the success of star running Mark Fletcher Jr. in the College Football Playoffs. He rushed 75 times for 507 yards, which set a new record, scoring three total touchdowns.
Bell recorded 90 run block snaps played, which was the second-most among players.
The Hurricanes took a chance on the junior college prospect coming from Holmes Community College in Goodman, Mississippi. He developed into a reliable starter for a National Championship contender.
After an impressive outing at the Scouting Combine, Bell will be a standout for any organization looking to add depth to the offensive line, especially with his unique measurements.
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