Markquese

Bell

This is a big loss for the Cowboys’ special teams unit. Todd Archer reports “special teams coordinator John Fassel became emotional when talking about” Bell’s season-ending dislocated shoulder injury. Bell’s 85.9 PFF special teams grade not only leads all Cowboys special teams players, it ranks eighth among 138 NFL special teams players with at least 165 special teams snaps. Bell will likely be placed on injured reserve by the end of the week.

Well, that certainly isn’t ideal. Tolbert is a candidate to be dropped in re-draft leagues. Also inactive are WR Michael Gallup (ACL), LB Jabril Cox, S Israel Mukuamu, CB Nahshon Wright, S Markquese Bell, and DL John Ridgeway.

Bell (6'2"/212) has a fantastic 2021 with 95 tackles, five tackles for loss, and was named to the first-team All-SWAC. He has the speed to move sideline-to-sideline while closing in on a runner in the open field or getting them in the gap, but his tackling technique often leaves him missing and staring at the air. Completely lacking fluidity in his hip movement, it leaves him losing space easily in his assignments, even on more straightforward routes. His footwork is too stiff, and his backpedal doesn’t stick hard to gain momentum. There’s so much physical upside that he could find himself making it on special teams but won’t see much playing time otherwise.

Bell could also take an official visit to one of Virginia Tech, Maryland or Rutgers (among others), but he has not made up his mind in regards to any of those schools. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder hails from New Jersey and ranks as ESPN 300’s No. 91 overall recruit for 2017. Their scouting department notes that he “can play just about anywhere on offense.” If Johnson’s eventual team is eyeing him for the defensive side of the ball, the Worldwide Leader views him fitting best as a safety or nickel linebacker.

This will be Bell’s first official of the fall. He planned on taking one to Michigan last weekend, but a personal matter intervened and the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is now looking to reschedule that Wolverines trip. Maryland, Clemson and Ohio State are also on the upcoming docket. He had previously been considering officials to Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Florida. At this juncture, those three schools appear to be out of luck. ESPN 300 slots him into their 2017 master list at No. 93 overall. While the outlet believes he could be an offensive standout at the collegiate level, they note that safety or middle linebacker might be his snuggest fit.

In addition to Maryland, Bell had previously taken official visits to Rutgers, Ohio State and Virginia Tech. The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder lands on the ESPN 300 at No. 95, with the outlet noting that he “possesses the physical and measurable traits you look for and for us projects on defense given his demeanor and toughness and craving for contact.” They view him as more committed on defense than offense at this juncture, though he has the talent to play either side of the ball.