15. Vonn Bell, S, New Orleans Saints
Vonn Bell can play a particular role, and play it well. The role of a box safety. Bell is at his best when he is down near the line of scrimmage, adding support against the run and even pressuring the passer on a blitz. For example watch this play with Bell working to set the edge, evade the wave of blockers, help make the tackle and even recover the fumble:
Vonn. Bell.
Fumble Recovery MACHINE đĽ
Coach wins the challenge âď¸ | #NOvsCHI pic.twitter.com/hju0wAxkwb— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 20, 2019
And here is Bell coming on a blitz to sack Cam Newton and end a playoff game:
First it was Teddy Ginn, then it was Michael Thomas, and now Vonn Bell clinches the win with a sack. Ohio State fans will love rooting for the Saints. pic.twitter.com/DX0h2GEQ0w
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) January 8, 2018
That is what Bell does best. But coverage skills are another question. Last year Bell allowed a 106.7 NFL passer rating when targeted, including an average of 13.4 yards per reception, and his coverage grade from Pro Football Focus was a rather low 51.9. In fact, according to PFF’s grading his best coverage grade by season was 2018, with a mark of just 68.2. Every year in the league he has given up an NFL passer rating of over 100, with an average of 109.4 over his four years in the league.
If you are looking for a box safety who can help against the run and create havoc near the line of scrimmage, Bell is your guy. If you have a different role in mind for a free agent safety, you might want to look elsewhere. An option might be looking at him as a safety/linebacker hybrid, similar to a Mark Barron or a Deone Bucannon, if a team was interested in thinking outside the box.