Cleveland Browns make smart pick with David Bell to close out busy day 2

The Cleveland Browns had a busy second night of the 2022 NFL Draft and finished things out by taking David Bell from Purdue, which was a wise pick

In need of more depth at the wide receiver position, the Cleveland Browns took David Bell out of Purdue at No. 99 overall. Bell ended up being the team’s third pick as they took Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson and UAB defensive end Alex Wright earlier in the third round.

Bell joins a roster that already has Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Jakeem Grant, and Anthony Schwartz at wideout. That’s a vastly different group than they had in 2021 and should be able to help the offense move the ball easier than they did last year as well.

As for Bell, he was once seen as an early second-round pick but a workout to forget at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine damaged his stock. Bell didn’t look too smooth and even ran a 4.65 in the 40-yard dash.

Those numbers might have hurt his stock but the Browns clearly focused more on his game film — and the production he had for the Boilermakers. Bell twice hit the 1,000-yard mark and finished his career with 232 receptions for 2,946 yards receiving with 21 touchdowns.

In the Cleveland offense, Bell could fill the role formerly occupied by Rashard Higgins as the No. 3 receiver. He’s a sure-handed player who can run clean routes and at No. 99, he’s really a steal.

The question after this pick is what it means for the Browns going forward. There were reports they could still bring back Jarvis Landry or go after Will Fuller, but with Bell joining the ranks, they might be comfortable with the players they have heading into the season.