Jaheim Bell spent three seasons as South Carolina before transferring to Florida State in 2023. He originally broke out early as a Gamecock during the 2021 season, posting a 21% dominator rating with 5 TDs and 488 receiving yards. He was PFF's8th-highest graded tight end while leading the nation in yards after the catch per reception (11.8) and yards per route run (3.67).
His yards per route run mark was the highest of any tight end in college football in the PFF database.
His 20-year-old age season would be his most productive year after he had a falling out with the SC coaching staff in 2022.
At FSU, he faced fierce target competition between Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson, limiting him to 52 targets. However, he still was able to post career-highs in catches and yards. He also re-flashed his YAC-ability finishing 7th in the nation in total YAC average 8.1 yards after the catch per reception (11th). Both top-5 marks in the 2024 tight end class.
Given Bell's athleticism - 72nd percentile or better in the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jumps - he has the upside to be a receiving tight end that can contribute to fantasy lineups. Note that his size depicts him much closer to being a "big" WR at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds rather than a traditional tight end. Being that he's not much of blocker, a team that drafts him will be looking more at his receiving abilities and how they can use him in that fashion.
And not being an elite blocker doesn't mean he's not physical. The dude is rocked up with a stout build. Looks more like a running back in open space than a big-boded tight end. Recall that in his final year at South Carolina he totaled 74 carries for 257 yards and 3 TDs. Reminds me of Jonnu Smith. He was drafted by Smith's old team (the Patriots) in Round 7 of this year's draft.
by in FantasyMay 6, 2024