The NFL Scouting Combine gave Florida A&M safety Markquese Bell an opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest pre-draft platform.
NFL Scouting Combine overall score
The FAMU product received an overall prospect grade of 5.68. The scale ranges from 8.0 to 5.50. An overall score of 8.0 describes a prospect as being “perfect”. Bell’s score describes him as a “candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad” on the NFL level.
Bell’s work in drills
Bell performed well in a series of drills during the Combine.
Checking in a 6-2, 212 pounds, Bell clocked unofficial 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash that was listed officially at a great time of 4.41 seconds. He recorded a 4.46-second 20-yard shuffle. The safety marked 36.5 inches on the vertical jump test and 123 inches on the broad jump.
His vertical jump was the fifth best among safeties at the Combine. His broad jump distance was eighth best among players at his position.
Bell’s strengths and weaknesses analyzed
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein reported on the strengths and weaknesses of Bell’s game. Some strengths included his long strides when playing sideline to sideline, his acceleration, and his ability to cut off runner’s escape lanes.
Some weaknesses included a lack of fluidity in coverage, inefficient feet movement, and a knack of biting too heavily on play action.
Overall, Bell was described as an “active, lanky safety with run support flashes but a need for better technique and body control as a tackler.”