2016 NFL Draft Profile: Vonn Bell, S Ohio State

Ohio State safety Vonn Bell could help fill a big need for the Minnesota Vikings, but is he worthy of the team’s first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft?

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the best safeties in the league in Harrison Smith, but finding a player to put along side has been a problem for the team for several seasons now. With several players showing they aren’t the answer at the position, Minnesota could be looking to draft a defensive back early.

At least that is the thought process of ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, who believes that the Vikings could be pulling the trigger on Ohio State safety Vonn Bell in the first round according to his recent mock draft (version 3.0).

When talking about Bell, the first thing to notice is that he isn’t a big guy. Compared to some of the monstrous tight ends and wide receivers in the NFL, Bell can appear outmatched more often than not. However, his athleticism an excellent footwork can help make up for lack of size. Using his physical talents, he can be a ball hawk. He proved that by getting 9 interceptions in three seasons at Ohio State and defending 15 passes.

Another knock on Vonn Bell is that he isn’t a very physical safety. But teams likely won’t be looking at him as being a thumping player anyway. What they’ll get with Bell is a solid player who they can trust in coverage against slot receivers or smaller tight ends who can make a play when the opportunity presents itself.

Here are Vonn Bell’s numbers from the combine according to NFL.com:

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Vonn Bell (11) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 199 pounds

Arm Length: 32 3/8″

Hand Size: 9 1/2″

40 Yard Dash: N/A

Weightlifting: 16 reps

Vertical Jump: N/A

Broad Jump: N/A

3 Cone Drill: N/A

20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Vonn Bell compares to:

CBS Sports: Tashaun Gipson, Browns
NFL.com: Kurt Coleman, Panthers

Fit for the Minnesota Vikings:

Odds are that the Vikings will be looking at a safety sometime in the draft. Finding someone the team trusts in coverage will be important so that they can let Harrison Smith be able to do things like rush the quarterback or cheat against the run. Bell is the kind of player that could make that happen.

My Take:

I find it hard to get excited about a smaller safety when pass catchers in the league keep getting bigger and bigger. However, Vonn Bell’s athleticism and instincts make him a very interesting target. I’m not sure I like him at #23 overall, but if he ends up being the player who can help the team the most when the Minnesota Vikings are on the clock, I won’t complain if his name is called.

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