Vonn Bell NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Saints Rookie

POSITIVES

A junior entry into the 2016 NFL draft, Vonn Bell has played nickel safety, strong safety and free safety in his career at Ohio State.

An ideal safety in two-high sets, Bell has the traits to be a playmaker in Cover 2 schemes or when locked up in man coverage against tight ends. He is a heady player with the awareness and instincts to match up on various routes and offensive designs. He’s been well-coached at Ohio State and won’t get caught peeking into the backfield or taking false steps.

Bell has flashed ball skills (nine interceptions, 15 pass breakups) and has the hands to secure interceptions on routine and ridiculous catches alike. With his football IQ and leadership abilities in the secondary, Bell will be an asset early on in his pro career. He should work into nickel packages during his rookie season and become a full-time starter by his second year.

NEGATIVES

“A small player who plays small.” That’s what one NFL scout told us about Bell when talking about Ohio State prospects. Bell was a productive tackler but brought little fire to his attempts. He doesn’t have much pop in his pads and can be run through against bigger backs.

That lack of strength shows up in his game when he’s facing bigger receivers or tight ends. Bell gets boxed out at the pass and isn’t a threat on jump balls when he has to put a body on his man. Bell’s play speed can be inconsistent, and when watching him against elite talent, you don’t see the long speed to track the ball down the field. He doesn’t flash the range to be a center fielder.

Was Bell the product of a great defense, or is he ready to stand on his own? That’s something NFL scouts will be discussing at length when his name comes up on the board.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 199 lbs.

40 Time: 4.51s

3-Cone: N/A

Short Shuttle: N/A

PRO COMPARISON: Morgan Burnett, Green Bay Packers
FINAL GRADE: 6.40/9.00 (Round 3—Future Starter)