5 Saints Who Will Be SURPRISE Starters in 2016 by Barry Hirstius Back in February at the NFL Scouting Combine, Saints rookie and then-Ohio State Buckeyes safety Vonn Bell was asked the question if whether he thought that he was the best safety available in the 2016 NFL Draft. “I am,” Bell said. “I’m the full package. You’ll get a playmaker. You’ll get a guy who can tackle in the open field. You’ll get a guy who’ll bring the whole team together. You’ll get a leader and another coach on the field.” Bell’s obvious athleticism and football instincts had made him one of the fastest-risers on NFL Draft Boards, and legend has it that Bell caught the eye of Saints head coach Sean Payton — who was in attendance and was watching Bell perform his drills live down on the field, while Payton observed him from afar sitting in a row of seats in the 2nd level of Lucas Oil Stadium. After the Saints made the move to trade with the New England Patriots and get back into the 2nd Round to snag Bell with the 61st pick overall; Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who was serving as a guest analyst for the NFL Network, said of Bell immediately after the pick, “He has the skill set of a cornerback and is a great worker in practice.” Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Vonn Bell (11) intercepts this pass in front of Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) in the fourth quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay praised Bell as being the “best cover safety in this year’s class.” And that’s not an exaggeration, either. Bell put together an impressive resume at Ohio State, ending his college career with 176 tackles, 22 passes defended and nine interceptions in 42 games. …
Continue Reading: FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS: Saints Rookie Safety Can Make Immediate Impact
