Detroit Lions UDFA running back named someone to watch
The Detroit Lions are well-situated at running back, but an undrafted free agent back has still been highlighted as someone to watch.
After adding eight draft picks to the fold in the draft, the Detroit Lions signed 12 undrafted free agents. They made notable investments in a few, including San Diego State running back Greg Bell.
Greg Bell to Detroit Lions on deal that includes $100,000 total guaranteed with $85,000 of his base salary guaranteed and $15,000 signing bonus, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 1, 2022
Among many needs the Lions had this offseason, running back was not a top one. For 2022 anyway, the depth chart looks good (D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, Godwin Igwebuike). But Williams is entering the second year of a two-year deal, and it’s worth noting Swift is entering the third year of a four-year deal as a second-round pick in 2020.
Given the shelf life of the position, churning parts of the depth chart at running back is something NFL teams do every year. Successful teams seem to do it very well, unearthing solid contributors if they’re called upon.
Detroit Lions’ Greg Bell named an undrafted free agent to watch
After the draft NFL reporter Jordan Schultz pointed to Bell, a “classic downhill RB who runs with vision and power”, as someone to keep an eye on.
Keep an eye on SDSU’s Greg Bell, who signed as an UDFA with the #Lions. Classic downhill RB who runs with vision and power.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 1, 2022
Bell started his college career at Nebraska, before transferring to San Diego State. In an abbreviated 2020 season (seven games), he had 637 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and six touchdowns while adding 114 receiving yards with a touchdown on 11 catches.
Last year, Bell topped 1,000 yards on the ground (1,091) with nine touchdowns. He is compactly built (5-foot-11, 201 pounds) and looks naturally powerful. But deeper scouting reports suggest he is not an especially shifty runner, and has limited value as a pass catcher or special teamer. The last thing particularly feels like a barrier to him landing a roster spot with the Lions as an undrafted player.
That said, if all else fails, Bell could easily find his way to the Lions’ practice squad. Based on the money investment made in him though, he’s in line for a real shot to usurp Jefferson, Igwebuike or even Reynolds as the battles for roster spots get going.
Next. Jared Goff is a clear fantasy football winner after the draft. dark