5 Players Who Could Be The New England Patriots WR1 in 2022

3. David Bell, Purdue

The New England Patriots are a team notorious for moving back in the NFL Draft. The 2022 version may be no different, depending on how their board looks and how things fall in front of them. If they do find a trade back partner, they might be in the sweet spot to land Purdue’s David Bell.

Bell has been a stud ever since he walked onto Purdue’s campus. He had over 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdowns as a freshman back in 2019, something the breakout age folks will love. He upped his game in 2021 after a shortened 2020, catching 93 passes for 1,286 yards and six touchdowns.

Bell had his two biggest games of the season when Purdue upset top five teams. He had an 11-catch, 240-yard performance against Iowa and had 217 yards on 11 catches against Michigan State, scoring in both games.

Bell does so much well. He might not be the most explosive or twitched-up player, but has good buildup speed to win deep. His ball skills, body control, and catch-through-contact abilities are excellent, and his speed release and three-level route tree make for an enticing player in the Patriots offense. Bell just has the mold of someone who can succeed in the NFL.