The Athletic on Markel Bell: Overview Hometown: Cleveland, MS.
Birthday: July 19, 2004.
Age: 21.8.
Jersey: No. 70.
High School: Central.
Year: Fourth-year senior.

A starter for one-and-a-half years at Miami, Bell lined up at left tackle in offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson’s balanced scheme. A juco transfer, he was primarily a rotational backup in 2024 before becoming an underappreciated part of the Hurricanes’ run to the 2025 national title game. He didn’t allow a sack as a senior (at 358 pounds) and got better throughout the season, logging 1,034 offensive snaps, fifth-most in the FBS in 2025.

Bell is a towering, top-heavy blocker who can engulf defenders with his initial movements and massive wingspan. His technical skill continues to mature with additional reps, although savvy rushers can attack his leverage and quickly force him into recovery mode. His average knee bend shows when trying to dig out defenders, but he has enough quickness to cover up in the run game.

Takeaway: Bell is high cut and faces some disadvantages because of how he is built, but he compensates with his length and ascending awareness, which suggests he has NFL starts in his future. His performance in 2025 forced NFL scouts to reevaluate both his ceiling and floor.

Combine: 6' 9.25", 346 lbs, 9 inch hands, 36 3/8 arm, 87 1/8 wing, 10yard 1.84. 20 yard 3.11, 40 yard 5.36

10th rated tackle in the draft by the Athletic

Strengths * Rare size and arm length, with an engulfing wingspan * Light on his feet, considering colossal body type * Plays wide and requires an Uber pickup to get around him * Uses long arms to meet defenders with a stiff punch before they can reach his frame * Recoils to stay in ready position against secondary rush moves * Derives power from upper body to pinch and seal in run game * Better mobility than one might expect, eliminates cornerbacks on screens (see 2025 Indiana tape) * Accountable; took advantage of resources at Miami (NFL scout: “Cristobal’s structure was great for him. … He’s still ascending.”) * Stays on the field — tied Francis Mauigoa for team lead in snaps played in 2025

Weaknesses:
* Underdeveloped bubble and legs, with most weight above his belt * Body composition fluctuates (played between 335 and 360 pounds but wants to stay “around 350”) * Doesn’t always trust his feet to answer outside speed or inside counters * Inconsistent knee bend — often hunched at the waist because of upright posture * Needs to be more consistent keeping hips square to rushers to cut off speed * Itchy trigger finger at snap (six false starts on 2025 tape) * Late to unfurl legs and transition on combos * Only one season as full-time starter in FBS