Coach Of Several Eventual D-Line Studs Warns NFL About Travis Bell

Few people knew the name Travis Bell when his name was called in the 7th round of the NFL draft. All anybody could figure out was he played defensive tackle and was the first player ever selected from Kennesaw State. It was a pretty cool story. However, most Chicago Bears fans could only shrug. After seeing their team take Gervon Dexter in the 2nd round and Zacch Pickens in the 3rd, it was hard to feel enthusiastic about Bell. He would most likely end up cut and on the practice squad.

One person cautions against thinking that. Liam Klein is the defensive line coach at Kennesaw State. While obviously biased where Bell is concerned, the man's opinion carries significant weight. He had a direct hand in producing several future NFL standouts during his long tenure at Georgia Tech. Anthony Hargrove was a 3rd round pick in 2004 and had two productive seasons in the NFL, including five sacks for the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in 2009. Vance Walker and Michael Johnson were both drafted that same year. Walker helped Denver win the Super Bowl in 2015. Johnson racked up 44.5 career sacks. Derrick Morgan became a 1st round pick in 2010. He played nine seasons in Tennessee and had 44.5 sacks.

Klein has seen what NFL players look like.

That is why what he told Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic about Bell was so noteworthy.

Klein had coached at Georgia Tech before coming to Kennesaw State. He had seen plenty of talented defensive linemen.

“Bell could fly,” he said. “I mean, he can absolutely move. We run him in a straight line, I would put him up with some of our skill kids. He can run like a deer.”

“If you’ve read enough about him and you keep hearing like the kid plays hard,” Klein said. “That’s the effort piece that’s going to separate him at the next level. He will go 100 miles an hour, whistle to whistle.”

Travis Bell already knows who he plans to emulate.

He told teammates and coaches about Grady Jarrett all the time. It was clearly felt that if the former 5th round pick could become a two-time Pro Bowler in Atlanta could become a two-time Pro Bowler, why can't he? Jarrett was only 6'1 and 300 lbs playing for the Falcons. Bell is 6'0 with good length and has the same level of power and athleticism. The only difference is Jarrett played at Clemson. He was tested against top-level college competition. Bell spent his career against FCS opponents.

He will encounter far different beasts in the NFL. These guys are much bigger and more athletic than what Travis Bell handled at Kennesaw State. Most players coming from the FCS fail to make that leap. He has the ability to do so. It comes down to whether he can get the most out of it. From what Klein says, he has the no-quit attitude and relentless motor required for success. All he needs is an opportunity. The Bears seem more than willing to give him one.