DAVID BELL, PURDUE, WR
David Bell is a bigger-bodied receiver than Wilson and Dotson, though he can still win in quick pass concepts. While he was utilized in many ways at Purdue, Kyle Crabbs sees Bell best as an X receiver.
“Scheme tendencies: Balanced offense; he’s capable of winning in both the quick game and vertically down the field. Play-action shot concepts and MOF targets are likely his best ticket to high production,” wrote Crabbs
Arizona Cardinals
With the loss of Christian Kirk, the Cardinals have room for another pass-catcher. Bell’s college teammate, Rondale Moore, will likely take over the slot role so that leaves a boundary spot open opposite DeAndre Hopkins. Bell can be the perfect complement to Hopkins as a wideout who can stretch the field vertically and win in the short areas of the field. Excluding Week 4, Kirk averaged nearly six targets with Hopkins on the field last season. Not to mention, the Cardinals threw the third-most passes off of play action last season, which is where Crabbs says Bell could thrive. Even if wide receiver A.J. Green is still featured in the offense, Bell’s future would look bright in Arizona.
Atlanta Falcons
There’s no point in me conjuring new ways to say, “the Falcons need a receiver,” as I already did when explaining Jahan Dotson’s fit in Atlanta. The bottom line: any wide receiver drafted by the Falcons will be in line for a massive target share. Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage are leaving nearly 17 targets per game on the table for incoming wideouts so Bell could have ample success in the Falcons’ offense. Atlanta also threw the 12th-most passes off of play action, so there’s another potential way for Bell to see immediate production. As with any player in Dynasty, Bell may eventually see more competition over time. Luckily, a great way for sustained success is early success. Atlanta can provide that for Bell.
Chicago Bears
As with every team on this list, the Bears could also use some depth in their wide receiver room. They could definitely use another starter opposite Darnell Mooney even after the reported signing of Byron Pringle. Bryan Perez already thinks Bell would be the perfect complement to Mooney, so the potential volume is there for Bell. We really don’t know what this offense will look like with first-year head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Plus, quarterback Justin Fields understandably has room to grow in his second season. Regardless of how Chicago’s offense operates, adding Bell to a lackluster receiver group could lead to early production. It’s not the best fit on the list but you shouldn’t shy away from Bell if he’s drafted by the Bears.
Detroit Lions
Similar to what I said about Jahan Dotson on the Lions, Bell just fills a glaring need. My full analysis on the Lions’ wide receivers: “Can we really trust D.J. Chark anymore? He’s on a one-year prove-it deal after missing 13 games in 2021. Dotson could come in and instantly take over Josh Reynolds’ spot on the perimeter. Sure, Jared Goff isn’t the best quarterback for young wideouts. Still, Josh Reynolds and Quintez Cephus combined for nearly ten targets a game.” It may not be the most dynamic offense, but Bell can still carve out a nice role en route to early fantasy success. Besides, this is an offense that trotted out three or more wide receivers roughly 80% of the time last season. I don’t expect that to change much with Bo Johnson’s promotion to offensive coordinator from tight ends coach.
Green Bay Packers
Something tells me the Packers could use a receiver or two. After their blockbuster deal to reunite Davante Adams with Derek Carr, Green Bay desperately needs someone for Aaron Rodgers to throw to. Until they add a veteran, the Packers will be a great Dynasty destination for any rookie wideout. After all, Adams has seen more targets than every wide receiver not named Stefon Diggs across the last two seasons. Of course, I’m not saying a receiver like Bell will come in and automatically get Adams’ hefty target share. Heck, Bell may not even see half of it. But the potential is clearly there for Bell to make a sizable dent in fantasy. You should be all over whichever wide receiver the Packers draft — if they even take one at all.
New England Patriots
Count the Patriots as another team that can use a pass catcher for their young quarterback. Outside of Jakobi Meyers — who isn’t too encouraging anyway — New England doesn’t have any promising, young wide receivers. Bell could come in and unseat Meyers as Jones’ go-to target, notably in quick pass concepts and play action. His vast route experience at Purdue should also come in handy, especially on screen plays. Of course, the primary appeal still lies in Bell’s potential target share. While New England had the sixth-lowest pass-play percentage last season, new talent like Bell could cause Head Coach Bill Belichick to adapt his scheme again. Besides, if Jones has progressed as a passer like the team hopes, they’d probably lean more into the passing game. With Meyers entering the last year of his rookie deal, the path could be paved for Bell to become the Patriots’ feature receiver in 2023 and beyond.
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