Steelers select RB Le'Veon Bell in Round 2

[SidSmythe]

Lets trade Bell for Stephen Jackson!!

[Rara]

I keep repeating myself, I'm happy we got Bell...but could have gotten him in the third. Blount and Jackson comparisons? **** yeah!!

[hawaiiansteel]

No one believes me when I say Bell just might best the best back in this draft.

Le'Veon Bell emerging as best running back in 2013 NFL Draft

By Bucky Brooks
Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network
March 4, 2013



Shhhh!

I'm about to let you in on a little secret that is circulating through scouting circles following the NFL Scouting Combine: Michigan State's Le'Veon Bell is the best running back in the 2013 NFL Draft, and it's not even close.

Now, I know that statement certainly will cause some consternation among the legions of Eddie Lacy, Montee Ball and Giovani Bernard supporters, but there is not a more complete back in this draft than Bell. Checking in at 6-foot-1 3/8 and 230 pounds, Bell is an old-school runner with the size and strength to grind between the tackles, yet he's quick enough to get to the edge on perimeter runs. Moreover, he is a dependable workhorse capable of shouldering a heavy workload as the primary runner.

As a junior, Bell was the Michigan State offense, rushing for 1,793 yards and 12 touchdowns. He accomplished those totals on 382 rushing attempts, with seven games of at least 30 carries. Some evaluators will view the heavy workload as a concern, due to the short shelf life of running backs. But I believe the fact that Bell carried the ball extensively without incident suggests he is not only durable, but also possesses the hard-nosed mentality to be a feature back as a pro.

Bell is also a dependable receiver out of the backfield, possessing the hands and receiving skills to be an integral part of a complex passing game. Over the past two seasons, he snagged 67 receptions, showing the capacity to run basic routes from his tailback spot. Although he is not a matchup nightmare in space, the fact that he is functional as a receiver will allow an offensive coordinator to keep him on the field in every situation, preventing opponents from honing in on the running game when Bell is in the huddle.

When I broke down the game tape, I came away viewing Bell as a Steven Jackson clone. Bell not only runs with a similar gait, but he displays the patience and vision to excel in a zone-based scheme. Bell's ability to read and set up his blocks at the line of scrimmage routinely leads to big gains when plays are executed properly. Additionally, Bell displays the ability to put together a sequence of cuts beyond the line of scrimmage. From multiple jump cuts to crafty spin moves in the open field, Bell's ability to make defenders miss at his size is quite rare. With Bell more than capable of running through contact, gaining 951 yards after contact in 2012, it is not surprising he has become a favorite of scouts and coaches around the league.

Now, that's not to say Bell is without flaws. He doesn't show explosive first-step quickness, and some scouts worry about his overall toughness, despite the remarkable production. In fact, one AFC official told me he wonders if Bell views himself as a "dancer," rather than a pounder with the ball in his hands. Regardless, I believe Bell is an impact runner with the skills to make a difference in the right offensive system.

[URL]http://www.milehighreport.com/2013/3/30/4159550/the-broncos-set-up-private-meeting-with-rb-leveon-bell[/URL]

[SteelBucks]

I wouldn't have a problem with the pick if it was in the 3rd round. Especially with Arthur Brown still on the board....and he ends up in Baltimore.

[gusfan88]

I had read that the Steelers have had their eyes on Bell quite a while and had him checked out thoroughly. Surprised Lacey was still their but obviously he wasn't as high on the Steelers list. Lacey was running behind a bunch of studs at Bama so time will tell. Maybe not a popular pick but Bell makes the Steelers a better team in my opinion. Now if we can get Bailey from WVU with the 3rd pick I will be pleased.

[thor75]

Screw the experts, I love the pick plus Hoge shouted out our six Lombardi's which was nice.

I'm sure Kirby Wilson agrees as well

[thor75]

Training camp.... Bell vs. J Jones on goal line drills. Must see TC.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

No one believes me when I say Bell just might best the best back in this draft.

Shawn, I know my RB's.. he's one of the top 3-4 for sure. I ALSO rate him above Lacy. Woulda rated a healthy Lattimore as the top back. Montee Ball is in the conversation - very underrated. Bernard is the other guy up there..

Back to LeVeon, who has GREAT feet (especially for his size), patience and vision. Obviously, there's some power there... IIRC, he was in the 4.6's, which isn't gonna take it 80, but, is fast enough to take it to the house from 50 yards. Good chance he'll start day 1...

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Training camp.... Bell vs. J Jones on goal line drills. Must see TC.

Naah... J.Jones would get ran the hell over!

[Chadman]

watching him play in college, Chadman sees a little Thomas Jones to his game.

Not the guy Chadman wanted in Round 2, but like Jarvis Jones, hard to argue he's not a good pick.

The added bonus is, there's every chance he's in the RB rotation on Day 1. Combined with Stephens-Howling, who is a very good 3rd down RB, the Steelers running game looks like it's been improved upon.

[Keyplay1]

Originally Posted by hawaiiansteel
interesting, selected Bell over Eddie Lacy...

There are a lot of varying opinions on this around the boards.

Anyway, at least it explains all that noise I heard outside earlier tonight. Sounded like a bunch of bells ringing. Only after listening kind of close they did not sound like those festive bells you hear in something like Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture but more like those bells you hear in those screwy operas before something real bad is going to happen. Oh well. We'll see.

btw: They showed some clips on the 11pm sports. Haley gave the hype talk.

[Keyplay1]

Hey! Something just occurred to me and I suppose this is as good a thread as any to ask this question.

I know how the NFL is really strict on drugs and is always testing the players. But I was wondering do they also test these coaches?

[NorthCoast]

Not sold on Bell, but I will keep it to myself for the moment.....

[Keyplay1]

Not sold on Bell, but I will keep it to myself for the moment.....

I just hope that moment doesn't come sometime during next season after articles start appearing annointing lacy as one of those back of the decade types.

[DukieBoy]

Originally Posted by hawaiiansteel
interesting, selected Bell over Eddie Lacy...

There are a lot of varying opinions on this around the boards.

Anyway, at least it explains all that noise I heard outside earlier tonight. Sounded like a bunch of bells ringing. Only after listening kind of close they did not sound like those festive bells you hear in something like Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture but more like those bells you hear in those screwy operas before something real bad is going to happen. Oh well. We'll see.

btw: They showed some clips on the 11pm sports. Haley gave the hype talk.

Sorry. I don't have opera experience.

I'm thinking positive about Bell in the backfield. The proof will be found on the field.