The Chicago Bears made their objective clear in the 2023 NFL draft. They were going to get stronger in the middle of their defensive line. Three of the ten picks they had were spent on defensive tackles. The two guys getting most of the attention are 2nd round pick Gervon Dexter from Florida and 3rd round pick Zacch Pickens of South Carolina. That isn't a surprise. Both are high selections with size, length, and athleticism. They have all the tools necessary to succeed in the NFL. Yet they aren't the ones who may catch the eye of coaches, at least not according to Corey Wootton. That would be Travis Bell.
The former Bears defensive end knows the Tampa-2 defense well. He understands the things required from a defensive tackle to function in that system. From what he's seen reviewing Bell's film at Kennesaw State, the young man is far more advanced than most young players would be from such a small program. He went so far as to say on the CHGO Bears podcast that the 7th round pick is more pro-ready than either Dexter or Pickens, implying there is a serious chance the kid could see action as a rookie.
Don't overlook Travis Bell because of his size.
Yes, it's acknowledged he is only 6'0 tall. That is short for a defensive tackle. That said, it isn't like the NFL is totally absent of short players at that position that have thrived. Anthony Adams was 6'0 tall. Casey Hampton, Vince Wilfork, Geno Atkins, Jurrell Casey, Aaron Donald, Grady Jarrett, Javon Hargrave, and Sheldon Rankins were all 6'1. Height is not even close to the determining factor for good NFL defensive tackles. Most often, it's their strength, quickness, and motor. From what Wootton saw on tape, Bell has all three.
He benched 30 reps at his pro day. He ran a 5.01 in the 40-yard dash, which would've been 7th-best among defensive tackles at the scouting combine. His 32.5-inch vertical jump would've been the third-best. Make no mistake, Travis Bell is a better physical specimen than most would think. Ask this question. If he hadn't gone to such a small school, would he have been drafted? The answer is yes. It's clear GM Ryan Poles loves the kid. Wootton thinks Matt Eberflus will love him too. When the two guys at the top have a high opinion of you, the chances of seeing action go up.
It sounds like Dexter and Pickens can expect competition this summer.
Comments
Join the discussion below. Keep it civil and focused on the content.
Loading comments...