3 ways the Patriots can maximize Jaheim Bell's potential
By Rhys Knott
In 1940, the famous plane crash survivor and alleged KGB spy Ernest Hemmingway published “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Eighty-four years later, a Bell tolls for the Patriots. That Bell answers to the name Jaheim.
Early in the draft process, Bell was expected to be a second-round pick. However, as the draft approached, he fell to a fifth-round prospect, so how the Patriots snagged him in the seventh round will forever remain a mystery.
The former South Carolina Gamecock and Florida State Seminole caught 95 passes during his four-year college career. He racked up 1,260 yards, averaging a healthy 13.3 yards per reception. That’s only 2.3 yards less than Patriots’ second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk averaged in college!
Bell isn’t just a pass catcher, though. During his college career, he was also a prolific threat out of the backfield, so much so that he even played as a running back for the Gamecocks. He accrued 84 rushing attempts in four years, averaging a modest 3.6 yards per carry, but he did find the endzone four times. He even returned a kick while playing in South Carolina, but the Patriots already have plenty of kick-return options.
His performance at the Combine saw him score an 8.45 RAS (relative athletic score). He lost out in the height and weight categories, but his composite speed score was rated “elite,” and his explosion grade was “great.”
However, Bell’s comparative lack of height works in his favor as a ball carrier. He’s a low-center-of-gravity guy, like a Maurice Jones-Drew or Devin Singletary type (but way bigger). A low center of gravity makes it very difficult for defenders to match his pad level when they attempt to tackle him or are trying to beat his blocks.
NFL NextGen rated the former high school wide receiver as the fifth most athletic player in the 2024 tight end class. But that doesn’t mean the Patriots should use him exclusively at the tight end position. In fact, with veterans Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, and Mitchell Wilcox all on the roster, opportunities will be limited.
Bell would be wasted as the Patriots’ fourth-string tight end, though. His versatility will add an extra dimension to the offense, and Alex Van Pelt should embrace it. Having someone who can perform in many positions will make the quarterback’s job easier, too, provided they can recognize a loaded box when they see one.
So, how can the Patriots ensure they make the most of Bell’s talent?