Mike Bell

[ChampBailey24]

Denver Is Gonna Take Him

[2KBack]

I like his measurables, but there are a few other guys I'd rather have

[ChampBailey24]

like?

[Odysseus]

http://colts.scout.com/2/518588.html

Mike Bell: "I Won't Stop Until I'm on Top"

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images By: Ed Thompson

Date: Apr 9, 2006

The depth of talent at the running back position in this year's draft is exciting. And one of the players to definitely keep an eye on is Arizona running back Mike Bell. Find out why Bell is going to be a terrific choice in this year's NFL Draft, and why he qualifies as a Colts Hot Prospect

futher...
Fortunately for Bell, when his blockers didn't get the job done, he had the vision and mental quickness to recognize it early -- and an uncanny ability to adjust on the fly. His former running backs coach, Kasey Dunn, once said, “Mike can make someone miss in a phone booth.”

Bell shows the same mental quickness and poise when speaking in front of the cameras and the media, handling a wide variety of...
--more--

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2006/bell_mike
SUMMARY
Bell was a fun player to grade because he has the foot quickness, agility and burst to make things happen when plays break down. With his size and natural strength, he has the ability to be a punishing inside runner who can break tackles, punish tacklers and gain yards after contact. But he is not nearly as good a runner between the tackles as he is outside. On the 'Hoof' he looks like a big back, but he has the athleticism and running skills of a small back. He is a dangerous runner on outside runs because he can run over defensive backs, can make the sharp cut-back and burst through the hole or can shake and make a tackler miss out on the edge. Once he gets into the open field he tends to raise his level of aggressiveness, will lower his shoulder more consistently and deliver punishment to tacklers. The trouble is that he is somewhat one dimensional in that he has not been a big time receiver and is an inconsistent pass blocker, so he is primarily effective when he carries the ball. Overall, Bell has the physical tools to be a very good starting running back in the NFL, but in order to become the player he is capable of he is going to need to play more aggressively on every snap. He will end up being a good starter who struggles to stay healthy for an entire season and will have to come out of games in clear passing situations because of his pass blocking ability.
--more--

---I would not mind seeing him backing up Kyle Johnson for a year or so we can train another RB to undertand dual roles. Let Bell play out his contract and see what this kid can do. He doesn't have the pure speed or pass blocking ability but speed fades vision does not. If he's got hands and he can see the field I say keep him. (Um. How bad is he at pass blocking?)

---I want the Broncos to stop featuring these half gay fruity running backs. I want a running back that just hurts people. I want defenders shaking their heads and limping to the locker room. Fast is cute but I want a guy who can bust up 8 in the box like animal crackers. If Tatum Bell emerges as something that's fine but I want this guy growling on the sidelines.

[Man-Goblin]

I think I asked this in another thread, but I thought he was supposed to go in the 3rd-4th round range in the draft. Anyone know why he dropped?

[Odysseus]

He didn't have any specific reason for dropping that I could find. He doesn't have spinal meningitus. He apparently doesn't have a jacked up foot. He is a likeable good character guy.

I don't get why the Broncos signed him? j/k

[fontaine]

He didn't have any specific reason for dropping that I could find. He doesn't have spinal meningitus. He apparently doesn't have a jacked up foot. He is a likeable good character guy.

I don't get why the Broncos signed him? j/k

:rofl:

We'll have to wait until he start sneaking in hipflasks full of bourbon in the training facilities to know more!

[Odysseus]

:rofl:

We'll have to wait until he start sneaking in hipflasks full of bourbon in the training facilities to know more!

That's his problem! Weed is the drug of choice for quality running backs!

[Liquid Courage]

http://colts.scout.com/2/518588.html


Bell was a fun player to grade because he has the foot quickness, agility and burst to make things happen when plays break down. With his size and natural strength, he has the ability to be a punishing inside runner who can break tackles, punish tacklers and gain yards after contact. But he is not nearly as good a runner between the tackles as he is outside. On the 'Hoof' he looks like a big back, but he has the athleticism and running skills of a small back. He is a dangerous runner on outside runs because he can run over defensive backs, can make the sharp cut-back and burst through the hole or can shake and make a tackler miss out on the edge. Once he gets into the open field he tends to raise his level of aggressiveness, will lower his shoulder more consistently and deliver punishment to tacklers. The trouble is that he is somewhat one dimensional in that he has not been a big time receiver and is an inconsistent pass blocker, so he is primarily effective when he carries the ball. Overall, Bell has the physical tools to be a very good starting running back in the NFL, but in order to become the player he is capable of he is going to need to play more aggressively on every snap. He will end up being a good starter who struggles to stay healthy for an entire season and will have to come out of games in clear passing situations because of his pass blocking ability.
--more--

My God, did they mean to write this about TATUM Bell and not MIKE Bell. We now have 2 Bells w/ the exact same plusses and minuses.

[2KBack]

I'm glad we got him, high character guy it seems, and didn't even cost a draft pick

[Odysseus]

I wonder how he compares to Cobbs. I guess that is what training camp is for.

[Atlas]

I think I asked this in another thread, but I thought he was supposed to go in the 3rd-4th round range in the draft. Anyone know why he dropped?

One testicle hangs drastically lower than the other one. Most coaches thought it would be a major locker room distraction.

[Atlas]

My God, did they mean to write this about TATUM Bell and not MIKE Bell. We now have 2 Bells w/ the exact same plusses and minuses.

They are more opposites. T. Bell is a burner with no leg strength. M. Bell is slow and heavy footed but can break tackles and run over DBs.

[Liquid Courage]

They are more opposites. T. Bell is a burner with no leg strength. M. Bell is slow and heavy footed but can break tackles and run over DBs.

but, at least according to the article, both don't like running between the tackles (prefer to bounce outside) and are not proficient in blocking . . . . perhaps the two greatest traits of a back deficient in our system. can't wait to see what these guys are gonna do come training camp! I gotta go reserve my holiday time now!!

[Atlas]

but, at least according to the article, both don't like running between the tackles (prefer to bounce outside) and are not proficient in blocking . . . . perhaps the two greatest traits of a back deficient in our system. can't wait to see what these guys are gonna do come training camp! I gotta go reserve my holiday time now!!

Yeah I didn't see M. Bell play all year but to me it seems his kind of style would lead him to be a good inside runner. I know Arizona had a terrible line maybe they had better running to the outside because their tackles were better than their guards.

[elsid13]

has he actually signed with Denver??? All I can find is newspaper articles, that say he wants to sign with Denver

[big56fan#1]

Bell wasnt on the offical list on the team site.???

[cabronco]

Its in the last part of this Denver Post article..

Link To Article Print Article Email Article
Article Launched: 05/01/2006 01:00:00 AM MDT

denver broncos notes
Safety, running back missing from draft
First-round selections determined Denver's direction
By Mike Klis and Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writers



Conspicuously absent from the draft selections made from Dove Valley this past weekend were a running back and safety.

"They didn't need a running back," Broncos running back Tatum Bell said. "If they give me the opportunity, I'll prove them right for not taking a running back."

The twist to the Broncos' 2006 draft was had the first round played out differently, a safety or a running back would have been their first pick.

Entering the draft, the Broncos had the No. 15 pick in the first round, overall picks Nos. 37 and 61 in the second round and No. 68 in the third round.

What if the Broncos never had traded their 15th and 68th selections to St. Louis for the 11th pick and the opportunity to select quarterback Jay Cutler?

The Broncos would have only considered taking Ohio State safety Donte Whitner with the No. 15 pick.

Entering the draft, safety was considered a position in need of youthful infusion because of the relatively advanced ages of starters John Lynch (34) and Nick Ferguson (31).

Whitner wound up going to Buffalo at No. 8 in the first round.

The other player the Broncos were considering in the first round was Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney, although not with the 15th pick. The plan going in was, had the Broncos been unable to land Cutler or Whitner, they would have traded down with the idea of taking Maroney later in the first round.

Maroney went to New England at No. 21 overall.

"Obviously, we stepped up and went a different direction, but he is a quality back and going to New England, we will get a chance to play against him," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said of Maroney.

The Broncos play New England on Sept. 24 in a nationally televised Sunday night game in Foxborough, Mass.

Bell coming home

Mike Bell said he told some NFL teams he would rather go undrafted and be a Bronco than be selected by them.

He got his wish.

The tailback from Arizona - who lived in Denver until he was 11 and grew up idolizing John Elway - was one of six undrafted free agents Denver agreed to terms with Sunday.

"This is a dream come true," Bell said. "I'm going to fight to make that team. That's my team."

The Broncos also agreed to terms with fullback Rashon Powers-Neal of Notre Dame, wide receiver Brian Clark of North Carolina State, linebacker Cameron Vaughn of

[BroncoMan4ever]

Is it just me, or is anyone else wanting a new running back in Denver. Don't get me wrong the 2 back system gets the job done, but it isn't scary. When Terrell played defenses were scared because even if u stacked the line against him he would tear through and bust heads. I want that back, Tatum has great speed but no strength, and Dayne has strength but no speed, we need a strong and fast back that in the 4th quarter he could just carry the rock and punish a defense. I don't want the opposing defense walking off the field after playing Denver, i want defenses limping off the field in pain caused by a running back that hurt them all day.

[Lestat]

i want Tatum to man up & take the job but in all likelyhood Tatum & Dayne will get hurt & Cobbs will come out of nowhere to run for 1,200 yards, 12 TD's & futher the fans opinion that denver doesn't need a big time draft pick or signing to be the man in denver

[footstepsfrom#27]

I don't want the opposing defense walking off the field after playing Denver, i want defenses limping off the field in pain caused by a running back that hurt them all day.
How 'bout this dude?

http://www.newsok.com/tempimages/s11ouwins.jpg

[SoCalBronco]

Shanny royally pissed me off in passing on Lendale at 37, so he better get Michael Bush next year.

[BroncoFiend]

Shanny royally pissed me off in passing on Lendale at 37, so he better get Michael Bush next year.

You would have passed on Walker then?

[epicSocialism4tw]

How 'bout this dude?

http://www.newsok.com/tempimages/s11ouwins.jpg


Ah yes. Who wouldnt want Jim Brown?

[cabronco]

If we could get Peterson, that would be awesome ! I havent seen many college RB's that would be coming out next year, but I've seen this kid play & he is a punishing / tough RB.

[SoCalBronco]

You would have passed on Walker then?

As between White or trading it for Walker, I would have easily chosen White. No contest. We could get a big possession WR at 61 like Maurice Stovall and then added Demetrius Williams after that to replace Ash's deep ball element. We could have had Cutler and the two best WRs in the draft, both young and cheap, unlike Walker.

We made many critical errors in this draft after Cutler and before Eslinger.

[epicSocialism4tw]

If we could get Peterson, that would be awesome ! I havent seen many college RB's that would be coming out next year, but I've seen this kid play & he is a punishing / tough RB.

Punishing, tough, and as fast or faster than Reggie Bush.

[broncohaven]

As between White or trading it for Walker, I would have easily chosen White. No contest. We could get a big possession WR at 61 like Maurice Stovall and then added Demetrius Williams after that to replace Ash's deep ball element. We could have had Cutler and the two best WRs in the draft, both young and cheap, unlike Walker.

We made many critical errors in this draft after Cutler and before Eslinger.White over Walker is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Do you realize what team we're talking about here? This is the Denver Broncos, who have tried since the dawn of time to draft a stud WR and failed. The aging Smith isnt going to be around much longer, and you would rather a chubs the steakeater? Get Bent.

[footstepsfrom#27]

If we could get Peterson, that would be awesome ! I havent seen many college RB's that would be coming out next year, but I've seen this kid play & he is a punishing / tough RB.
Shanahan's already working on a plan for trading up...:~ohyah!:

[Atlas]

As between White or trading it for Walker, I would have easily chosen White. No contest. We could get a big possession WR at 61 like Maurice Stovall and then added Demetrius Williams after that to replace Ash's deep ball element. We could have had Cutler and the two best WRs in the draft, both young and cheap, unlike Walker.

We made many critical errors in this draft after Cutler and before Eslinger.

Rookie WRs don't produce they never do. The way it worked out is the best way because Denver with Walker got significantly better over last years team, so the push for the SB continues.

[Al Wilson]

Rookie WRs don't produce they never do. The way it worked out is the best way because Denver with Walker got significantly better over last years team, so the push for the SB continues.
^^^^^^^^ What he said.

Unless Stovall is Randy Moss as in rookie WR.

[Atlas]

^^^^^^^^ What he said.

Unless Stovall is Randy Moss as in rookie WR.
Stovall won't have over 40 catches this year.

[SoCalBronco]

Rookie WRs don't produce they never do. The way it worked out is the best way because Denver with Walker got significantly better over last years team, so the push for the SB continues.

I think Stovall and Williams will be productive rookies...I guess we will see though. I dont mind the addition of Walker, he is a highly productive WR in a similar system, although I dont like his age or his injury. I would have much preferred a conditional 2007 pick with a ceiling and a floor to protect both teams in the case he did really well....or really poorly. That would have been the best approach. Then we could have gotten White at 37. We would have hit a future franchise QB and franchise RB in the same draft as well as a big time WR.

My point about the drafting from 2B to 5 remains though, it was unimpressive, which is surprising, Shanny is supposed to think clearly in even numbered years.

[Atlas]

Then we could have gotten White at 37. We would have hit a future franchise QB and franchise RB in the same draft as well as a big time WR.

.

You know SoCal your in the exact same position I was last year.

I was pimping Justin Miller for Denver's first and his stock slides and the situation is set up perfect for Denver to get him with their second and Denver doesn't select him.

Just like you wanted Denver to draft White he slides to Denver's second it's looking great for you and Denver goes in another direction.

Don't fret because Shanny is right and your wrong just like I was.

You can't count on Lelie so under your senario Denver gets White and then Denver is extrodinarily thin at WR. With Smith two rookies, Watts, Devoe, Adams. That would be a horrible development in Denver's pursuit of a SB.

People wanted Denver to draft Bell in the 4th round and they ended up getting him as an UFA. I'm not worried about Denver's running game at all.

[SoCalBronco]

You know SoCal your in the exact same position I was last year.

I was pimping Justin Miller for Denver's first and his stock slides and the situation is set up perfect for Denver to get him with their second and Denver doesn't select him.

Just like you wanted Denver to draft White he slides to Denver's second it's looking great for you and Denver goes in another direction.

Don't fret because Shanny is right and your wrong just like I was.

You can't count on Lelie so under your senario Denver gets White and then Denver is extrodinarily thin at WR. With Smith two rookies, Watts, Devoe, Adams. That would be a horrible development in Denver's pursuit of a SB.

People wanted Denver to draft Bell in the 4th round and they ended up getting him as an UFA. I'm not worried about Denver's running game at all.

It could end up like that. I remember how it was last year on Miller. Although under my scenario we would still have Walker.

[Atlas]

It could end up like that. I remember how it was last year on Miller. Although under my scenario we would still have Walker.

Under you senario I would have liked it better too but there is no way GB would have accepted a trade for Walker for an unconditional pick. Walker had a lot of interest and GB is horrible and needs players now not next year.

[SoCalBronco]

Under you senario I would have liked it better too but there is no way GB would have accepted a trade for Walker for an unconditional pick. Walker had a lot of interest and GB is horrible and needs players now not next year.

I dont know about that. They were seeking a 1st, that could have been the ceiling, so if he works out, they get their first. If not, they get a 3rd. I think they may have been agreeable to that. Ofcourse, there would be alot of haranguing over the terms on which the floor and ceiling would be based...pure playing time, statistics etc. but I think it could have been a viable course (who knows maybe they did try that approach). As to GBs needs, they traded down from the pick we gave them so GB may have felt that they werent going to get an immediate impact guy there on the basis of their own board and needs.

[watermock]

SoCal, I would of loved to give a 4th and our late second, then taken White or Kiwi(but he was gone I think)...If Pitt wasn't interested at 32...why would we be?

I was crying right along with VD when we couldn't get him, but am over it. You need to get over White...sheesh. Cutler was much better value even tho it's probably a year or two early, we might of never gotten another chance for a long time for that kind of quality. VD and Cutler are much rarer than a big back with a bad hammy.

[Atlas]

I dont know about that. They were seeking a 1st, that could have been the ceiling, so if he works out, they get their first. If not, they get a 3rd. I think they may have been agreeable to that. Ofcourse, there would be alot of haranguing over the terms on which the floor and ceiling would be based...pure playing time, statistics etc. but I think it could have been a viable course (who knows maybe they did try that approach). As to GBs needs, they traded down from the pick we gave them so GB may have felt that they werent going to get an immediate impact guy there on the basis of their own board and needs.

Can you imagine how pissed Farve would have been if they did that. In Farve's last year they trade away their best WR for a future pick that won't help Farve get above the 5 win plateau. I would have loved to see his meltdown.

[Odysseus]

Is it just me, or is anyone else wanting a new running back in Denver. Don't get me wrong the 2 back system gets the job done, but it isn't scary. When Terrell played defenses were scared because even if u stacked the line against him he would tear through and bust heads. I want that back, Tatum has great speed but no strength, and Dayne has strength but no speed, we need a strong and fast back that in the 4th quarter he could just carry the rock and punish a defense. I don't want the opposing defense walking off the field after playing Denver, i want defenses limping off the field in pain caused by a running back that hurt them all day.

I want a runningback whose a drunken brawler whose name is Chuck Steele. I want defenders to go "Aww maaaan!" whenever he is heading straight toward them.

I love our one cut and go guys but I would rather have a guy whose wearing down a defense than a speedster who can't find a hole. If we are going to run three guys why not bust them up a little bit?

[Odysseus]

Rookie WRs don't produce they never do. The way it worked out is the best way because Denver with Walker got significantly better over last years team, so the push for the SB continues.

WR are something we have no skills whatsoever finding, getting and at this point keeping. I would have LOVED to have gotten Lendale White but the right thing was getting Javon.

[azbroncfan]

Don't fret because Shanny is right and your wrong just like I was.

You can't count on Lelie so under your senario Denver gets White and then Denver is extrodinarily thin at WR. With Smith two rookies, Watts, Devoe, Adams. That would be a horrible development in Denver's pursuit of a SB.



And think if smith went down with an injury.

[brncs_fan]

The Broncos also agreed to terms with fullback Rashon Powers-Neal of Notre Dame, wide receiver Brian Clark of North Carolina State, linebacker Cameron Vaughn of
^5