Rookie Profile: Jaheim Bell, Tight End, New England Patriots
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Jaheim Bell, a tight end from Valdosta, Georgia. At Valdosta High School, Bell played TE and WR, recording more than 1000 total yards before tearing his ACL in his senior season. Originally committing to the University of Florida, Bell opted out and instead began his collegiate career in South Carolina.
At the University of South Carolina, Bell appeared in just 5 games during his freshman year before breaking out as a sophomore. Though not a true breakout, Bell finished the year with 500 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on just 30 targets. As a junior, Bell was used sparingly as a receiver, but the Gamecocks utilized his girth in a different way: as a running back. He filled in for an injured Marshawn Lloyd for the final month of the 2022 season, finishing the season with 73 carries and 3 rushing touchdowns to go along with modest receiving production.
Bell transferred to Florida State for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as he planned. Though he posted career highs in receptions and yardage, he was the 3rd receiving option on the team behind teammates Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 7, 231st Overall
- Bell is an interesting hybrid player with multiple talents, but it’s clearly not something the NFL is confident in utilizing at the next level. As a super late, Day 3 selection it’s unlikely he makes an impact in the league. However, he profiles as a longer-term project, so he has a better chance to stick than most selected this late.
Landing Spot- New England Patriots
- New England is a team in flux, so Bell could be utilized as a weapon in the passing game, either as a big slot or out of the backfield. That versatility, in addition to his rushing and blocking chops, could help him see the field more than most realize in his first season.
- Unfortunately, Bell will need more than an injury or two to thrive right away. Hunter Henry is locked in at TE with Austin Hooper an excellent blocking option with some receiving chops. It’s also unlikely Bell operates as more than a depth option now that Rhamondre Stevenson signed a deal and pass-catching back Antonio Gibson is in the fold.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Depth Tight End
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
I don’t see much room for Jaheim Bell to become a fantasy player worthy of a roster spot in his first season. If the Patriots can find a slot role for him or move on from Antonio Gibson quickly, he could have viability down the line.
Even still, I’m unlikely to bet on him in dynasty in the short term. And, if my league has deep benches, I can still see him being available on the waiver wire during this upcoming season. Unless I have taxi space or Hunter Henry or a pressing need for TE depth, I’m completely out on Bell in all formats. Even still, I’m probably avoiding altogether him for now.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Jaheim Bell.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
