3 ways the Patriots can maximize Jaheim Bell's potential 

3 ways the Patriots can maximize Jaheim Bell's potential: Line him up in the slot 

His pass-catching ability is exemplified by the fact he lined up as a wide receiver during 100 snaps of his college career. The Patriots have six players competing to line up outside, though (seven if Kayshon Boutte’s legal issues are resolved).  

But Bell could well feature in the slot; he spent 381 snaps there during his college career. Javon Baker, Juju Smith-Schuster, and Demario Douglas will all be battling it out for snaps as the Patriots’ slot receiver. But none bring what Bell does: 241 pounds of tackle-breaking muscle. 

At Florida State, Bell lined up as a receiver and scored on a jet sweep, bouncing the only defender in a position to stop him straight into the endzone. He will be a unique weapon in the red zone. During his lone season at FSU, Bell lined up in the slot for 44.3% of his snaps. When his college quarterbacks targeted him in the passing game, they had a 117.7 passer rating.

But it’s not just his ability as a playmaker that will make him a key part of the Patriots' offense. Bell's run-blocking will also be helpful when he lines up in the slot. In an offense that should see the running backs do a lot of the heavy lifting, screen passes, and outside zone runs should be the foundation of New England's 2024 offense.

If his run blocking continues to improve, Van Pelt can use him as he used Cedric Tillman in the 2023 Browns offense. 

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