Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft less than a month away, let’s take a look at the scouting report for Michigan WR Ronnie Bell.
Ronnie Bell NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Michigan
- Year: Redshirt Senior
Bell was a three-star recruit out of Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Missouri. As a multi-sport athlete, Bell was preparing to pursue basketball as his primary sport, committing to Missouri State. He wasn’t ranked in the top 1,000 high school reports for football and didn’t receive a single Divison I offer.
That was until Jim Harbaugh personally reached out to him and convinced him to attend Michigan to play football.
As a freshman, Bell couldn’t get on the field much with future NFL wide receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins on the team. But as a sophomore, Bell surpassed both DPJ and Collins to lead the team in receiving with 48 catches for 758 yards and one touchdown.
Bell performed well as a junior, catching 26 passes for 401 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, his season was limited to just six games due to COVID.
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In what was supposed to be his final collegiate season, Bell hurt his knee in his first game, ending his season after a single 76-yard reception.
Bell opted to return to school for a fifth season. Playing five years is never a good thing, but given Bell’s circumstances, he made the right call.
He wound up having his best season at Michigan, catching 62 passes for 889 yards and four scores.
Overall, Bell played in 41 college games. In those contests, he caught 145 balls for 2,269 yards and nine TDs. Bell also added a rushing score in his final campaign.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Ronnie Bell
Strengths: Reliable wideout whose game really took off last season. Fluid releasing off the line of scrimmage, quickly exits breaks, and stays low to position himself for the reception. Tracks the deep pass in the air, extends his hands, and grabs the ball away from his frame.
Sturdy receiver who comes back to the ball and snatches the ball out of the air. Quick-footed and creates yardage after the catch. Keeps his head on a swivel and gives effort blocking. Possesses big hands for a receiver.
Weaknesses: Plays to one speed and doesn’t play to his 40 time. Has been streaky in the past.
Overall: Bell comes off a terrific 2022 season where he continually came up big for Michigan. His Senior Bowl practices were not out of the ordinary, and there is no specific area of Bell’s game that really stands out. He offers potential as a fourth or fifth receiver at the next level and comes with return potential.
Ronnie Bell Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 5’11 5/8″
- Weight: 191 pounds
- Arm Length: 31″
- Hand Size: 9 1/2″
- Bench Press: 14
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.54
Michigan WR Ronnie Bell Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Bell ranked 171st overall and is projected to be drafted in the fifth round. With a 3.49 grade, he is Pauline’s WR22 in this class.
This year’s wide receiver class features plenty of depth but lacks the true high-end talent we’ve been spoiled with in recent years. That could open the door for more later-round selections to work their way onto NFL rosters.
College production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. Bell’s best season was his last one, where he saw a very impressive 26.8% target share — in his first year back after tearing his ACL, no less.
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Given Bell’s size and lack of speed, he profiles as more of an underneath guy. But he’s a pretty good athlete who can contribute on special teams. For guys like Bell, who are projected to be Day 3 picks, the path to making an NFL roster is usually special teams.
When NFL coaches and general managers decide what fringe players to keep, the ones that play special teams often get the nod. That gives Bell more of a shot to make a roster.
It’s always a challenge for Day 3 picks. If Bell is indeed around the 22nd wide receiver selected, he should be in good position to at least make an NFL roster. If he can hone his craft, contribute on special teams, and improve as a player, it’s possible Bell could emerge into a rotational part of a team’s offense.