Offensive tackle draft prospect Markel Bell from Miami is garnering some interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bell mentioned the Jaguars as one of the teams he had met with virtually in an interview.
Bell’s on-field performance
Bell has seen playing time over the last two seasons, which includes playing 1,034 snaps in 2025. Just about every one of his snaps has come at left tackle.
This past season, Bell allowed no sacks and 15 quarterback pressures over 558 pass-blocking snaps. He was among PFF’s highest-rated tackles in their pass-blocking efficiency metric. In run-blocking grade, he ranked 50th out of 114 eligible tackles.
Bell measured in at 6-086 and weighs 346 pounds. He ran a 5.36-second 40-yard dash with a 1.84-second 10-yard split.
Scouting report
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided a pre-draft scouting report on Bell.
Zierlein described Bell as a “Mountainous tackle with rare physical attributes that work both in his favor and against him depending on the situation.”
The report stated, “There is no escaping a high center of gravity, which will impact his ability to change direction in protection and create consistent engagement as a run blocker. Bell must play in a gap-scheme attack to minimize his limitations. He has exceptional length that he puts to good use in finding static pass rushers and offering shade to the pocket. NFL edge speed and sudden inside moves could be an evergreen issue for Bell, but with coaching he could learn to mitigate those issues with his length. He has Day 3 value but might have a firm ceiling on his upside.”
Bell’s comments on his potential impact
Bell believes he will be a very coachable player. “Whatever the coaching staff asks of me, I’m going to get the job done,” Bell said. “I’m going to be the best player I can be. I’m big on trust and accountability. I pride myself on those two qualities. I’m going to build trust and accountability with my coaches and teammates. When a play gets called by the offensive coordinator, I’m going to execute it at an elite level.”
Jaguars’ offensive line situation
The Jaguars will enter the draft positioned well on the offensive line. Their starting five from last season is all still under contract, along with a few of their first options off the bench.
However, that doesn’t mean we won’t see GM James Gladstone add to this unit either in the NFL draft — especially with 11 selections.
- The Jaguars will be looking for improved play in the run game this season.
- One way to help generate that is with more competition.
- Jacksonville leaned into that element last summer along the offensive line.
Looking ahead to 2027, there could be turnover within this position group. Jacksonville could move on at that point from Little, Mekari.