Will Blake Bell Be Vernon Davis’ Successor?
In the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected tight end Blake Bell, from Oklahoma University. Wait, tight end?
Yes, that is correct.
Most notably, Bell was known for being a quarterback the first three years of his collegiate career. But during his senior year, a switch to tight end was enforced to better his game for the future and earn more playing time.
Bell wasn’t an awful quarterback, but it was evident that would not be a position he could continue playing at the next level. More of an option quarterback, he accumulated 24 rushing touchdowns in two years. During his time at Oklahoma, Bell had to split time with Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback Landry Jones and current Sooners’ starter Trevor Knight, who are more prolific passers.
With the athleticism and lack of experience at tight end, the 49ers took a serious gamble here. Instead, they evaded Maxx Williams and Clive Walford, arguably two of the best tight ends in the 2015 draft class.
But do the 49ers see this as a project player, who can be molded and coached into Vernon Davis‘ successor?
In the NFL, position changes are no strangers. What we have not seen enough is a quarterback to a tight end transition.
Basketball players tend to be an attractive target to become tight ends. Their athleticism turns heads. Just look at the last two decades, and ask Julius Thomas, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, Jimmy Graham, and Jordan Cameron. All have put up impressive numbers and quickly learned the game.
While Bell is not transitioning from basketball, this is another transition turning heads. It will be a learning experience he must overcome if he wants to stay on the 49ers, and in the league. Clearly, general manager Trent Baalke, and the rest of the front office feel they know what they are getting out of Bell after using a fourth-round pick.
Listed at 6’6″, 260 pounds, Bell looks to fit the mold. What does this mean for the other tight ends on the roster?
More from San Francisco 49ers
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
- 49ers sign TE Daniel Helm off the Buccaneers practice squad
- 49ers: Jordan Reed could miss up to two months, will be placed on IR
In 2014, it was misery for the tight end position, led by tight end coach Eric Mangini. Consistency was never present and the injury bug plagued the depth, which forced the 49ers to turn to the practice squad to plug in players.
In 2013, the team drafted Vance McDonald who looked promising to become a dual threat with Davis. Since his rookie season, a back injury has held McDonald back from being on the field and has cast doubt for his future.
Derek Carrier flashed moments to be another Delanie Walker, who departed for the Tennessee Titans in free agency after the 2013 season. Both are from small schools, but injuries too kept him from being on the field.
As for Garrett Celek, he has not always been known for being a catch-first tight end, unlike his brother Brent Celek. Out of Michigan State, Celek has been an important tight end for his capabilities of being a wall in run blocking and short pass scenarios. He and Davis were the two best blocking tight ends on the team, and both continually have had to nurse injuries.
After injuries to the four main tight ends, 49ers turned to the practice squad to sign Asante Cleveland. Cleveland did not provide much, but there was no other solution available.
It is safe to say, the 49ers tight end position was non-existent, and provided Colin Kaepernick with no safe receiving option.
Dec 6, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners tight end Blake Bell (10) runs after a catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first quarter at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
With an offseason of many changes, there is hope for the future at the position with the hiring of expert Tony Sparano. Sparano is most notable for his head coaching stints with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders. Now in San Francisco, he is responsible for helping spark a resurgence into Davis and company. This is encouraging news for Bell.
With Bell’s raw potential and a tight end specialist to lead, the development of the former quarterback may be exciting to watch the next few years.
The 2015 draft results are already being criticized, as to why the team needed another tight end when there is currently a handful on the team.
With injury history and age not on Davis’ side anymore, an answer is needed for the security of the position for the future. Davis is arguably the greatest tight end in 49ers history, but his time will come to an end soon.
Going into 2015, there is already a lot of “what if’s” for the team, but there is also concern as to who will lead the tight end corps after Davis.
The former Oklahoma quarterback turned tight end looks to be a promising pupil for Sparano and Davis to take under their wing. Bold statements have already been thrown out as one voice claimed Bell reminds him of Jason Witten.
Surely to be in Canton, Witten praise is high. The comparison being handed to an inexperienced Bell is a big burden to carry. Being athletically gifted, there should be no problem with the development for the “Belldozer.” It is the mental part of the game that will be the challenge.
Whether Bell becomes the next Dwight Clark or just another tight end, health and instincts will be the key to becoming Davis’ successor.