Marcus Bell
DT, Memphis · 2001 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #123 (ARI)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 86 of ~96 possible regular-season games from 2001 through 2006 (~90%). Last NFL season: 2006.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- School
Memphis: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.32 40-yard dash at 319 lbs: faster than 3% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DT (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 86 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 2 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 14 |
| Defense | 131 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2006 |
The 2001 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2001 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 319 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.32 s |
| Bench press | 17 reps |
| Broad jump | 98" |
| 3-cone | 8.07 s |
| Shuttle | 4.71 s |
| Age at draft | 22 |
Picked around him 2001 redraft
| 120 | Nick Harris | redraft #84 |
| 121 | Correll Buckhalter | redraft #69 |
| 122 | Markus Steele | redraft #119 |
| 124 | Justin McCareins | redraft #55 |
| 125 | Jesse Palmer | redraft #189 |
| 126 | Ed Hartwell | redraft #67 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.