Discover why anonymous college coaches are buzzing about Markel Bell, a massive Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman whose overlooked talent could make him a draft steal.
Coming off a National Championship appearance, the Miami Hurricanes built an identity around dominating matchups at the line of scrimmage. They had a dominant offensive unit with left tackle Markel Bell, right guard Anez Cooper, center James Brockermeyer, and All-American right tackle Francis Mauigoa, all of whom declared for the upcoming NFL Draft. The four starters combined for four total sacks allowed of the team’s 20, which ranked No. 16 in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Mauigoa is a highly-touted prospect who’s projected to be a top-10 selection. As the 20-year-old will be in attendance on the first day of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, April 23, the rest of the unit is projected to be selected in the later rounds.
ESPN’s college football sports writer, Adam Rittenberg, published an article on Monday, April 13, about a poll on college coaches’ sleeper picks for the NFL Draft. Among the 33 players mentioned was Bell. The 21-year-old was the Hurricanes’ starting left tackle last season, appearing in all 16 games. In 1,034 total offensive snaps, Bell allowed 15 total pressures, one hit, and no sacks in both the regular season and College Football Playoffs.
The Mississippi native is a standout among the offensive linemen in the class, given his unique size and frame. At the Scouting Combine, Bell listed at 6-9, 346 pounds, and a 36 3/8 wingspan. He ran a 5.36 in the 40-yard dash and a 1.84 10-yard split.
Bell ranks 172nd overall, 16th among offensive tackles, and has a grade of 53, according to ESPN’s Scouting Inc. Rankings.
In the poll, an anonymous Atlantic Coast Conference coach complimented the Hurricanes prospect.
"He does not impress you on film because he looks like he can't move, but you can't get around him," they said. "In-game, he was really good. On film, I thought we were going to beat that guy a lot, and we didn't. He's a massive human."
At the Scouting Combine, Bell confirmed to have meetings with the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and the Cleveland Browns.
After two seasons at Holmes Community College, the lengthy offensive lineman joined the Hurricanes and developed directly under offensive line coach Alex Mirabal. He went from reserve to full-time starter for a National Championship team.
The Vikings and Browns have needs within the offensive line, which could draw either NFL franchise towards Bell. The unique frame will help him earn an opportunity and make a strong impression to stay on a roster.
The NFL Draft will last from Thursday, April 23, to Saturday, April 25.
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