Detroit Lions Draft Profile: Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska

Considering their need at running back, the Detroit Lions have been mentioned in the same breath with Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah plenty, but the Cornhuskers have another player that could quietly fill another one of Detroit’s offensive needs during the 2015 NFL Draft. Kenny Bell is the leading receiver in the history of Nebraska football, and that does say something considering their rich football tradition. The Lions could turn to Bell in the later rounds and fill their need at wide receiver in a quality way.

Notable Combine Measurables 

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Height: 6-1

Weight: 197

40-Yd Dash: 4.40 seconds

20-Yd Shuttle: 2.59 seconds

3-Cone Drill: 6.66 seconds

Vertical Jump: 41 1/2

Broad Jump: 10’9″

225-lb Bench Press: 7 reps

Traits And Projected Round

Bell is a quick athlete who shows an excellent amount of compete and poise on deep balls. He’s a solid route runner and has a good frame for a quarterback to target easily. On the most part, he possesses good hands and is a responsible receiver. His size allows him to compete well in traffic and one-on-one. For all his size, however, Bell also has a skinny frame and looks weak at times. He will have to prove he can be physical in traffic and stand up to the pounding he will undoubtably get in the NFL. Still, he does have a quality NFL bloodline being his dad Ken Bell played in the league.

Considering what’s in front of him at receiver, Bell’s a player that can probably be had in the fifth or sixth round, making him a value candidate.

Why The Detroit Lions Could Draft Kenny Bell

Over the pre-draft visit process, the Lions have looked at several wideouts, but most have been of the small, quick variety. For folks that say Detroit needs to find Calvin Johnson a running mate or perhaps a long-term replacement, Bell certainly has the frame and athleticism to make it happen. Detroit has been looking at receivers, but might not need or want to take one high. Finding Bell in the middle to late rounds could prove to be a quality value considering his tools and sure hands.

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