Browns WR David Bell was Better as a Rookie Than you Think

Originally posted on FanNation Browns Digest
By Brandon Little | Last updated 2/17/23

Cleveland Browns may have a need for depth at the wide receiver position, but many forget that David Bell will be just a second year player next season. Bell was one of the better rookie wideouts against single coverage this past season.

Out of all of the rookie wideouts who were drafted, Bell finished fourth best against single coverage. He was open on 48 of 112 routes ran, or 42.86 percent of the time. Those numbers ranked ahead of Chris Olave, Drake London, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jahan Dotson to name a few. Just Khalil Shakir, Garrett Wilson, and Skyy Moore ranked better on the chart.

Bell operated mainly out of the slot position and will likely do that for the duration of his career. He's a physical player that found a strength in settling in his routes and finding a crease this past season. Bell had just 214 receiving yards on 24 catches, but he did what he was asked when the ball came his way.

The development of Bell could go a long way, a jump from year one to two would go even further. Developing Bell will give the Browns three good wideouts to work with for Deshaun Watson. The free agency market is sort of overpriced, so the Browns may bring in another wideout from the draft.

Either way, Cleveland has a young weapon in Bell who gets open. Now, it's all about continuing his development and presenting more opportunities.