Vonn Bell made headlines at the NFL Combine by admitting to laziness against the run while at Ohio State, a statement he undoubtedly had to answer for in meetings with potential employers.
"It just happens, man," Bell said then. "Being a young guy. Thinking the world of it. It just happens. It'll get all fixed soon."
Bell is convinced a heightened bit of passion and energy will change things for him at the next level, but there is one thing that is certain about his game: It is very, very impressive. He finished second on the team with 92 tackles during Ohio State's 2014 national title run and led the team with six interceptions that season.
Bell possesses terrific range and the ability to turn on a dime and shut down a receiver one-on-one. He showed that in his two years as a starter at Ohio State, leading Urban Meyer to call him "one of the best I've ever had" at the position.
But Bell found himself out of position on more than a few occasions in 2015 and sits behind Jalen Ramsey, Keanu Neal and even Karl Joseph in some mock drafts. A tender hamstring kept him out of drills at the combine, but he did well at Ohio State Pro Day March 11 and is a projected second round draft pick.
Bell projects as a serviceable safety in the NFL, but could first cut his teeth as a nickel corner. What teams need a player of his caliber in the draft? Here are five.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Where They're Picking: First Round (25th overall), Second Round (58th overall)
Breakdown: The Steelers lost starters at every level of their defense upon completion of the 2015 season, so it is obvious they will put an emphasis on that side of the ball in the draft. Pittsburgh could jump at a defensive tackle or corner in the first round and then circle back in the second with the hope of finding a playmaking safety. Bell made a ton of plays at Ohio State, including his fumble return for a touchdown against Hawai'i and pick-six of Minnesota's Mitch Leidner in 2015. He had a pre-draft meeting with Pittsburgh recently, so it clear Bell is at least on the team's radar.
Carolina Panthers
Where They're Picking: First Round (30th overall), Second (63rd overall)
Breakdown: Carolina taking Bell late in the first round might be a bit of a reach, but the secondary is suddenly an area of need with the team's decision to rescind the franchise tag on All-Pro corner Josh Norman and former Buckeye Kurt Coleman entering his eighth season. Bell could be a quick fix to replace Bene Benwikere as the team's nickel corner, with Benwikere set to become one of the team's top corners on the outside. Ohio State used Bell often as the nickel safety in its defense, but he has the versatility to play both spots.
Atlanta Falcons
Where They're Picking: First Round (17th overall), Second Round (50th overall)
Breakdown: Atlanta needs more speed on its defense at just about every position, which is why it will likely lean toward linebacker or defensive tackle in the first round. Those positions are much deeper than the secondary in this draft, but expect the Falcons to address a need a safety in the second. They should have an interest in Bell at No. 50, provided Ramsey and Neal are off the board by then. Atlanta needs a playmaker on the back end of its defense. Bell is that.
Oakland Raiders
Where They're Picking: First Round (14th overall), Second Round (44th overall)
Breakdown: Oakland signed Reggie Nelson from Cincinnati after legendary safety Charles Woodson hanged it up, but could choose Bell with an eye for the future in the second round. Nelson is 32 years old and coming off a 2015 Pro Bowl campaign, but Bell is younger, fresher and a playmaker. A lot has to do with what happens with Ramsey and Neal in the draft with regards to where Bell will land, but Oakland has done an excellent job of building a strong offensive core through the draft with Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Latavius Murray. Now, its defense needs attention. Bell can make an early impact.
Washington Redskins
Where They're Picking: First Round (21st overall), Second Round (53rd overall)
Breakdown: Washington desperately wants to get younger in the secondary. Starting safeties DeAngelo Hall and Dashon Goldson have a combined 23 years of experience between them and corner Blackmon has 10. With such a strong veteran presence, Washington could draft Bell with the plan to hand the keys to him once Hall or Goldson calls it quits in the not so distant future. The Redskins also finished 25th in the league against the pass in 2015 and their 11 interceptions were tied for 21st. Bell's athleticism and nose for the football can help both of those things.
Honorable Mention: Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings
