August 7, 2008 Browns rookie linebacker Beau Bell had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to take care of loose cartilage, the AP reports.
Our View:Bell was the team's first draft pick - albeit in the fourth round - and he was competing for playing time. It is unknown how long he will be out.
June 25, 2008 The Cleveland Browns have entered contract negotiations with representatives for Beau Bell, their rookie fourth-round linebacker from Nevada-Las Vegas, according to the Dayton Daily News. Discussions are only in the preliminary stages, but the team's top pick is expected to be signed before training camp opens next month.
Our View:The 6-foot-1, 250-pound Bell is very athletic with good speed and is extremely physical. Bell is a real range-rover, covering a lot of ground while in pursuit, and is a sure tackler. DQwell Jackson has one inside linebacker job nailed down, so Bell will compete with Andra Davis and Leon Williams for playing time in the Browns 3-4 scheme.
May 25, 2008 Rookie Beau Bell (UNLV) could push declining veteran Andra Davis for playing time at inside linebacker this season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bell will also compete with Leon Williams. D'Qwell Jackson had the best OTA sessions among the inside linebackers, and his spot in the starting lineup is safe and won't be contested.
Our View:Bell has great speed and range and excels at defending the run, but needs work on his run/pass recognition skills and can be fooled by the play-action. Bell could rack up a favorable amount of tackles in Cleveland, but should be in a time-share as a rookie, and could be a liability in pass coverage, which will cut his playing time down a bit more. He is a solid keeper league prospect, but won't likely make a strong impact right away as a rookie in 2008.
May 6, 2008 Linebacker Beau Bell's deficiencies in pass coverage were exposed during the Cleveland Browns recent rookie mini-camp, but coaches aren't overly concerned. It was understood when Bell was drafted in Round 4 that he might be limited to playing on running downs, according to the Sporting News.
Our View:Bell has Andra Davis, DQwell Jackson and Leon Williams ahead of him on the depth chart, and being a liability in pass coverage would have a negative impact on his IDP value in dynasty leagues.
May 4, 2008 The Browns think rookie linebacker Beau Bell (UNLV) is good enough to push Andra Davis for his job on the inside, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He may not play a lot early, but should be in the mix by mid-season.
Our View:The Browns believe Bell is the kind of fierce tackler with strong hands who won't be driven back five yards when trying to bring down a runner. They expect him to immediately make an impact on special teams. Leon Williams pushed Andra Davis for playing time in 2007, and Bell has more upside than Williams. Bell could emerge as an IDP sleeper as a rookie this season.
