Markel Bell Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Getty Images)

School: Miami

Class: Senior

Position: Offensive Tackle

HT: 6’9

WT: 345 lbs

Background: Markel Bell was an unrecruited offensive tackle out of Cleveland, Mississippi. After his tenure at Cleveland Central High School, he went to Holmes Community College. At Holmes CC, he became a top 10 junior college player in the country. He was an NJCAA All-Region selection. After his junior college stint, he committed to play for Miami.

College: In 2024, Bell became an instant impact on the Hurricanes’ offensive line. Since he took over the starting role, he hasn’t looked back as a key member of one of the best offenses in the nation the last two years. In 2025, as a stable offensive tackle, he was a Third Team All-ACC selection.

Strengths: Markel Bell is a physically dominant offensive tackle. He has pure mass that makes him nearly impossible to get through. He also has the length of 36 inch arms that allow him to contain edge rushers at the point of attack. By the time he launches into the defender’s chest to knock them off their rush, the defender has not even been able to get a hand on Bell. His length also helps with his ability to recover. If he is beat off the first step, his length allows him to get back into the play and recover. Not only does Bell have size, but he has the strength to match. Once he gets a grip on the defender, he rarely relinquishes control. His punches arrive with excellent timing and pop. He generates the knockback in each punch to keep defenders off their rush. Bell does well to generate power in the run game. He gets out to move well for his size and when he hits his landmarks, he finishes hard.

Weaknesses: With such a large frame, Bell struggles to play with good pad level on a consistent basis. He struggles to get low and use leverage to win. He also tends to miss his marks in open space too frequently, his size prevents him from moving as well as other players at the position. Linebackers can move around him or avoid him easily at the second level.

Conclusion: Markel Bell has unique size that makes him an intriguing NFL prospect. He has good technique and does not rely solely on his size to win. He has surged as a top prospect at the position in the pre-draft process and can be looked at as an offensive tackle who can start as a rookie.

Best Team Fits: SF, NE, HOU

Player Comparison: Joe Alt

Player Grade: Round 2 (83.0)