4 Browns defensive players that shined in preseason opener

Defensive Standout No. 3: D’Anthony Bell

Talk about making the most out of your opportunity.

Undrafted free agent D’Anthony Bell made his presence felt in the Browns’ preseason opener. The 25-year-old rookie out of the University of West Florida should now be on fans’ radars.

The 6-foot-1, 211-pound safety flashed mid-way through the second quarter when he came free on a safety blitz in traffic to stuff a Jacksonville rush for a five-yard loss. The play put Jacksonville behind the sticks and led to the Jaguars’ first non-scoring drive of the contest.

Bell’s biggest play of the night came towards the end of the third quarter. It was fourth-and-one and Jacksonville quarterback Jake Luton successfully completed a pass to Luke Farrell, when the tight end turned up the field Bell tomahawk chopped the ball loose and it was recovered by fellow safety Richard LeCounte. Bell showed excellent football instincts coming off of his wheel route coverage and punching the ball out in what can only be described as a ‘peanut-esque’ play.

The rookie played 28 snaps on the night and recorded three solo tackles and gave up one reception. Only time will tell if Bell will be able to climb up the depth chart and compete for a back of the roster spot in the safety room.

While he has an uphill battle in front of him, efforts like the one he gave Friday night will certainly make the coaches take notice. If nothing else, Bell cemented himself as a possible candidate for the practice squad.