RZ 37 Rookie Watch - Kenyon Bell

by blueprint1024 | 7 years ago | 0 Comments

With the 23rd pick in this year's draft, Coach Blueprint and the Oakland Raiders went all in on Marshall RB Kenyon Bell.  Looking at his film, Bell fits the mold of preferred backs coach Blueprint has come accustomed to employing.  His mix of power (90trk, 93sfa) and speed (90spd) are impressive alone, but when you add his eye for spotting a crease (82bcv) and ball security (84car), it's easy to see why he was so high on the Raiders draft board. After spending the #10 pick on solidifying the right side of their Oline on RT Berry Ward, Coach Blueprint had to add depth to his running back position. With last year's bell cow Marshawn Lynch missing 10 of the team's first 12 games due to injury, the Raiders struggled to establish any form of running attack.  Bell worked hard during training camp and preseason to gain the eye of RB coach Shaun Alexander; thus being awarded the day 1 starting position.  Through the first 2 weeks Bell leads all rookie running backs with 88 rushig yds and 1TD.  He took the 1st handoff of his career into the endzone for a 7yd TD run in week 1 against the Chiefs, en route to a 16car 66yd 1TD debut performance.  However, week 2 brought a slice of humble pie as the visiting New York Jets held the rookie to only 22 rushing yds on 10 carries.  Week 2 did see Bell dispell post-combine doubts about his abilities as a receiver (59cth, 57rte) as he nabbed 4 receptions for 60yds and team's only TD.  Coach Blueprint had this to say about his rookie RB.

"He runs hard and fights for every yard possible, and covers the ball like a vet on every run. Reminds me of another guy in our locker room, only youger. We feel blessed to have a quality player that can learn from a legend like Marshawn and see big things from him throughout his career as a Raider. As he gains more experience and learns the nuances of our offense, I envision him becoming a 1,000yd rushing/500yd receiving back easily."