The New England Patriots passed on the opportunity to choose Deebo Samuel, but they may have found their own version of the San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro in flexible tight end Jaheim Bell, a late-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
TJ Brown, the trainer and wide receiver expert, already expects him to do many of the same things Samuel does. Brown told Taylor Kyles of Patriots on CLNS that former high school wideout Bell is a “steal” because he can do some Deebo-type stuff and can do everything.
Brown stated that Bell “can get stuff out of the backfield and run routes.” He can block. Actually, at the Senior Bowl, they stated he had the best blocking of any tight end there, so he can do it all.
That’s strong praise for a seventh-round pick who was the 231st player chosen this season. Fortunately, Bell has already demonstrated the potential to defy his low draft status by showing some promise during OTAs.
If the 22-year-old can make it into the final roster, he will join two other rookie targets who have the potential to revolutionize New England’s sluggish passing game.
Playing a Samuel-like role entails participating in both phases of the attack. He may have joined the Patriots, but previous head coach Bill Belichick chose to choose N’Keal Harry 32nd overall in 2019.
The Patriots attempted to make apologies by holding “preliminary trade discussions” about Samuel in April, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.
Samuel would have been worth a trade since the receiver, who occasionally doubles as a running back, is also a devastating blocker. That’s a challenging triple-headed burden for a rookie to handle, but Bell possesses the necessary skill set.
