Written By Adam Aniba
This years tight end class is highlighted by Georgia TE Brock Bowers and Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, but after those two the depth gets a little murky.
One tight end prospect who's received marginal attention is FSU's Jaheim Bell. Although his career numbers don't scream future All-Pro, his ability as a flex tight end/H-back should translate to a productive career on the next level.
Jaheim Bell
6'3" 239 lbs | TE | FSU
Draft Proj 3rd Rd
S.CAR Career Stats (30 games)- 18 rec 242 yds and 1 TD (13.5 avg)
2023 Stats (13 games)- 41 rec 617 yds and 2 TDs (15.0 avg)
Background
Bell grew up in Lake City, FL and played football and basketball for powerhouse Valdosta High School.
During Bell's senior season he recorded 52 receptions for 770 yards and 1 touchdown while lining up at wide receiver. He also rushed for 60 yards leading to 2 touchdowns on the ground, when he lined up in the backfield.
Bell helped lead the way for Valdosta to advance to the quarterfinal round of 2018 state playoffs.
Bell was named a 4-star recruit by ESPN and was ranked as the 17th-best athlete nationally in the Class of 2020 by 247Sports. After being highly recruited, particularly by SEC teams, Bell ultimately committed to S.Carolina
As a freshman in '20 Bell was only active in 4 games and finished the season with only 29 yards receiving.
The following season Bell carved out a role as one of the top receiving options at tight end for the Gamecocks. As a sophomore he started 13 games, recording 30 receptions for 488 yards (16.3 per rec) and 5 touchdowns with a 121.7 QB rating when targeted.
In 2022 as a junior Bell's role diminished as he received less targets, recording 24 receptions for 235 yards and 2 scores (9.8 yards per rec). He was asked to be more of an inline blocker and had some success not allowing a sack and only 1 pressure with limited reps.
At the conclusion of the season Bell made the decision to transfer to Florida State for the '23 season.
As a senior in 2023, Bell was active in 13 games. The former Valdosta HS receiver had his best season of his college career registering 39 catches for 503 yards (12.9 yards per rec) and 2 TDs. Bell also had a notable QB rating when targeted of 117.7. As a pass blocker he gave up 3 pressures and 1 sack.
PROS
Displays a quick release off the snap with impressive burst
Impressive athlete with very good short area quickness with the ability to stop & go on a dime
Attacks to ball like a power forward with a go-to box-out that's difficult to defend
Impressive field vision and understands how to expose weak spots in coverage
Still a work in progress as as a route runner, but is more than serviceable in this area
CONS
Although displays the ability to create YAC, relies more on finesse as opposed to brute strength/counters
Doesn't offer much upside as a blocker
Too often chased down from behind in the open field after the catch
Mental lapses led to some timely drops
Scheme specific which limit his stock
Outlook
Bell is the definition of a flex option tight end and can be moved around pre-snap in various alignments. Although his blocking is subpar, he's still a work in progress in this area.
Love how Bell attacks the ball and his ability to find weak spots in coverage. He's still scratching the surface of his ability though. His background lining up in the backfiled, only add to his intrigue as a potential fullback/H-back in sub-packages.
The team that drafts Bell should have a plan to utilize his ability as a pass catcher. The Seminoles tight end is firmly slotted as a 3rd round prospect based on his college production, but an impressive combine and good forty time could dramatically help his stock.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/3/23 vs LSU, 9/23 vs Clemson, 10/14 vs Syracuse, 11/18 vs N.Alabama & 11/4 vs Pitt
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