Kenny Bell Shed Combine Bloat
August 9th, 2015
It sure seems Bucs’ fifth-round pick, wide receiver Kenny Bell, got bad advice this winter heading into the NFL Scouting Combine.
The narrow-framed, 6-foot-1 Bell played at Nebraska at 180 pounds. At the combine, Bell weighed in at 197 pounds and, yesterday, Bell told Joe he was up to 201 pounds at one point.
Bell bulked up pre-drafted based on the advice he got from various sources. He told Joe that the combine is “Olympics” and you want to show off your best physical self and look the NFL part.
But that just wasn’t Bell. He’s got an old school body and is now down to 183, he told Joe.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht said on WDAE-AM 620 yesterday that Bell, like many small receivers, wanted to look bigger for NFL teams. Licht said that hurt Bell.
“That actually wasn’t him,” Licht said.
Licht described Bell now as “just really fluid, fast” and lighter.
“It’s paid off. Usually, a smaller leaner guy, most of them play a finesse game but Kenny’s got toughness, and he’s strong for his size. Pound for pound he’s very strong,” Licht said.
“The sky’s the limit for [Bell]. I got more calls about him after the draft about him from other GMs and personnel directors than any other player saying, ‘We couldn’t believe he was still there in the fifth round.”‘
Joe’s not going overboard for Bell, but it’s hard not to focus on him considering the Bucs’ No. 3 receiver, Louis Murphy, is walking around in street clothes with a mysterious freak ankle injury.
The Bucs might need Bell to be one special rookie fifth-rounder.
August 9th, 2015 at 9:51 am
Especially if ASJ drops too many 3rd down throws. Bell may become the secret weapon.
August 9th, 2015 at 9:56 am
He is a winner in my thinking, I’d like to see him stick with the Bucs. Letting that freak flag fly, 60’s hippie retro style.
August 9th, 2015 at 9:56 am
I am excited about this draft class. Hopefully as we look back and analyze it a few seasons later, we will be able to conclude that this class should be graded as a solid A+.
August 9th, 2015 at 10:15 am
I think that Captain Kirk has his hand in all of this and is keeping close mouth about it since even Joe has trouble getting to him since we aren’t reading anything about what he has to say.
He is going to let his efforts pleasantly surprise us and not so pleasantly surprise the other teams.
August 9th, 2015 at 10:48 am
Bell and Humphries will stick around….along with Marpet and of course Winston. We’re going to look back on this draft in 3 years smiling and praising it!
August 9th, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Bucfan37 “I’d like to see him stick with the Bucs. Letting that freak flag fly, 60’s hippie retro style.”
Right on brother!
August 9th, 2015 at 1:01 pm
It will be interesting to see who sticks between Hall, humphreys, and dye. All have been making a lot of plays in training camp.
August 9th, 2015 at 1:36 pm
I gotta do it. Did Jameis shed his bloat as well?
August 9th, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Other Gm’s, calling about our picks, after the Draft?
Gotta be 12 years since THAT happened!
Unless the other GM’s were cruel enough to call and lsugh at our Pre-Licht drafts.
Then we had tons if calls.
Bell will win the slot reciever spot by Midsessin