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RB Tatum Bell, Detroit Lions

HT: 5-11, WT: 213, Born: 3-2-1981, College: Oklahoma State, Drafted: Round 2

2008 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of June 28th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: V Young (126), C Brown (127), Tatum Bell (128), D Branch (129),
Position: C Johnson (119-RB41), C Brown (127-RB42), Tatum Bell (128 - RB43), S Morris (131-RB44), R Williams (133-RB45)
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 Click here to go to the Tatum Bell spotlight, our staff's most detailed analysis.

Best Case

Mike Martz is gone, which pleased Tatum Bell so much that he signed a new one-year contract in the hope of more action this season. Bell has the ability to be productive in the NFL as he demonstrated in his time at Denver. The Lions will be moving to a scheme similar to the one operated in Denver, and Bell will need little motivation to re-establish his NFL career. He will be pressed hard by rookie Kevin Smith, but many a rookie has failed to perform at the next level. Bell's knowledge of the scheme could hold off Smith for the early part of the season. Bell himself thinks he can get 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Worst Case

Bell did not endear himself to the club last season after whining about the lack of touches he was receiving. He was alleged to have handed in a trade request after a frustrating start to the season and subsequently didn't play another game after Week 5. Amazingly he decided to re-sign, but the Lions' decision to draft Kevin Smith with a high pick may upset Bell once again. If Smith adapts to the system quickly then he should see the majority of touches and Bell would be reduced to the situation he complained about last year - that of a partial role.

Outlook

Bell was so frustrated by the infrequent use of the running game received under Martz that he almost burnt his bridges in Detroit. The club however placed their faith in him by re-signing Bell to a one-year contract, where his knowledge of the scheme the Lions are planning to run this year will come in handy. Bell has a career average of almost five yards a carry, and if he were to be the lead ball carrier, he could be a useful fantasy option. First Bell needs to beat out rookie Kevin Smith, and then he needs the offense to get into a groove. Bell has good upside, but if things do go wrong you can expect a repeat of last year.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Biggest news, Bell didn't fumble. Even better for his fantasy owners was his late touchdown, 87 yards and four receptions, albeit for only six yards. Expect him to continue to be the workhorse until Kevin Jones returns, and then for there to possibly be a RBBC situation. On his touchdown run, he got close to the Raiders' fans in the end zone and they showered him with whatever they were drinking. Bell didn't shy away as he knew he could point to the scoreboard.

Week 2 - Bell was active in the passing game, but then again so was every player in a Lions uniform. It's his rushing duties that are supposed to separate him from the pack, but he did little to distinguish himself in this game. He was given a chance to show off late in the first half on a third and one carry, but he was stuffed for no gain. To that point, Detroit had made very little effort to establish the run and things didn't change after that. Bell also did a poor job in pass protection, often allowing blitzers to come through with very little resistance. He did have a nice reception in the third quarter, but it was his only worthwhile play of the game. It could be telling, or it could be meaningless, that all seven of his passing targets came when J.T. O'Sullivan was in the game. Jon Kitna seemed to far prefer throwing to his wide receivers over the running backs.

Week 3 - Bell had two carries for a negative three yards in the first half. He only had two carries for three yards in the first half, but did add one catch for 16 yards. He had three caries for 23 yards in the second half and added another four catches for nine yards. It's important to note that RB Kevin Jones got the only goal line carry for the Lions.

Week 4 - In the second quarter, Bell lost a fumble on the Chicago five yard line without being hit. He was used sparingly for the rest of the game. He finished with 46 yards and caught one pass for another seven. His role in the Lions' offense seems to be ebbing as Kevin Jones returns to full strength.

Week 5 - Bell started the game and played the first half, but did not touch the ball in the second half. He managed 15 yards on four carries, but could not get a rhythm established as the Detroit Lions never seemed to get the wheels of offense rolling.