Le'Veon Bell, RB

03/17/2013 - 2013 Michigan State Pro Day: Le'Veon Bell, RB (6-foot-1 3/4, 229 pounds) - Bell stood on his numbers from the NFL Scouting Combine. He looked great in the positional workout, catching the ball very well out of the backfield. This is a player who could be picked up at the top of the second round (NFL.com's Bucky Brooks has gone as far as to say that Bell is the best running back in the 2013 NFL Draft). For those old enough to remember former New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers running back Chuck Muncie, Bell's playing style is reminiscent of him. Bell has gotten his weight down around 20 to 25 pounds. Former Houston Oilers and Michigan State running back Lorenzo White has been instrumental in working with Bell and making sure he keeps his weight down.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were well-represented at Michigan State's pro day, with head coach Mike Tomlin, running backs coach Kirby Wilson, tight ends coach James Daniel, as well as general manager Kevin Colbert in attendance. Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden and tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes were in attendance. Denver Broncos running backs coach Eric Studesville and Indianapolis Colts tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts were also there. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

Full *Le'Veon Bell News Wire

Bell flew under the recruiting radar out of Ohio, receiving only one scholarship offer from a BCS program (Michigan State).

He saw immediate action, leading the team in rushing in the 2010 season opener, but finished his freshman season No. 2 on the team in rushing with 605 yards and eight scores.

Bell came off the bench again as a sophomore, but started the final six games and finished with a team-best 948 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 35 catches for 267 receiving yards.

With Edwin Baker leaving Michigan State early for the NFL, Bell became the Spartans' "Bell" cow in the backfield. He led the Big Ten in rushing with 1,793 yards, 63 ahead of Wisconsin's Montee Ball, on 382 carries. Bell finished 2012 with 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and added 32 catches for 167 yards and a score.

He was presented the trophy as the 2012 Elite Running Back of the Year by the College Football Performance Awards at halftime of a Spartans' basketball game in December. Chants of "one more year" rained down as Bell stood at midcourt.

"It's so emotional," Bell said of the moment. "It's crazy how Spartan Nation really likes Le'Veon Bell. Being here these last couple years meant everything to me. It was a great moment out there and I just wanted to do it for the fans. Of course I couldn't win anything without my teammates. My teammates helped me get to this point. The coaches of course put me in the right situation. It's a total team effort."

Listed at 6-2 and 237 pounds, Bell is a powerfully-built runner who has the ability to break tackles with pad level, strength and quickness. He lacks ideal speed and gets himself in trouble when attempting to go east-west, but he has NFL potential as a complimentary back in the right offense.

Strengths: Strong-build and well proportioned with thick hips. Very good balance and stays low to the ground through contact. More of a downhill athlete who picks up speed as he goes. Stays light on his feet and has some deception to his game, slipping through cracks at the line of scrimmage.

Tough runner to bring down cleanly, often carrying defenders. Good forward lean and pop to deliver blows at the point of attack. Not afraid to leave his feet to leap over defenders. Active receiver with good awareness in pass pro to pick up blitzes. Led Big Ten in rushing in 2012 (1,793 yards) with three 200-yard performances.

Weaknesses: Not overly powerful despite his size and lacks breakaway speed to leave defenders in the dust. Smooth acceleration but not a burner and shows little burst in his cuts.

Lacks speed on stretch plays and won't be able to make a living in the NFL going east/west as much as he did in college. Too hesitant and patient at times and gets himself in trouble when he stops his feet, taking time to survey the field and figure it his next move. Wears down late in games and at times looks to have checked out.

Needs technique work in pass protection, leaving his feet too often and struggling to square his shoulders and gain proper positioning. Hands are normally reliable but will struggle on passes away from his frame. Has a lot of touches on his resume. Some rumblings that he is a "me-first" player.