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Player Spotlight: Tatum Bell (1 Viewer)

Jason Wood

Zoo York
2008 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Tatum Bell, RB, Detroit Lions

Player Page Link: Tatum Bell Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 
In a RBBC for most of the year with Smith and a little bit of Calhoun.

130 carries

4.3 ypc

560 yards

24 rec

6.5 ypr

156 yards

4 total tds

 
Tatum Bell is a difficult call as he's kind of been put out to pasture by a lot of pundits. He's the obvious second fiddle to rookie Kevin Smith in Detroit and that has not been a hot spot for RBs since Barry Sanders left. The past two seasons the Lions have rushed only 544 times for 2,134 yards and averaged just under 4 yards per carry.

Their hard nosed coach has said that they will run the ball more and better in 08, but they still have a bad team. Bad teams usually get behind early and its very hard to catch up running the ball.

An interesting comparison is that Kevin Smith is listed at 6'-1" and weighs 217. The considered smallish Tatum Bell who most have said can't take the pounding of a full load is listed at 5'-11" and 213.

I just don't see the Lions running the ball even half of the time. I also see a fairly large potential for a RBBC philosophy with both Smith and Bell. Bell's current ADP at RB 43 and 125 overall sounds more palatable than Smith's RB 34 and 78 overall.

Tatum Bell 145 carries 580 yards 4.0 ypc and 25 receptions for 175 yards 7.0 ypc and 6 TDs

 
Very underrated as a talent. Very.

Lightning fast and playing on 'turf. Offense that's second to none in the NFL, and in a cakewalk division. Prettiest moves you've ever seen since Lana Turner did the head toss. You'll need a cold shower after watching him this year.

385/2100/25

85/780/8

Buy low. This is the year.

 
Very underrated as a talent. Very.

Lightning fast and playing on 'turf. Offense that's second to none in the NFL, and in a cakewalk division. Prettiest moves you've ever seen since Lana Turner did the head toss. You'll need a cold shower after watching him this year.

385/2100/25

85/780/8

Buy low. This is the year.
You've been anxiously awaiting this day, haven't you?
 
Very underrated as a talent. Very.

Lightning fast and playing on 'turf. Offense that's second to none in the NFL, and in a cakewalk division. Prettiest moves you've ever seen since Lana Turner did the head toss. You'll need a cold shower after watching him this year.

385/2100/25

85/780/8

Buy low. This is the year.
You've been anxiously awaiting this day, haven't you?
Home page.
That's actually funny
 
Bell is an average all-around talent. He's outstanding at getting around the corner and going long, or breaking off 20 yards after finding a huge hole. But, if that's not there, he's pretty much useless. He could be an interesting guy to watch this year. Kevin Smith hasn't proven anything in the pros--Bell has at least a 1000 Yard season under his belt. Still, because of his limitations, Bell is going to be second fiddle. Still, look for him to break off several long runs, and a handful of long Tds

144 Rushes

619 Yards

3 Tds

13 Receptions

72 Yards

 
Tatum Bell is the definition of a bubble Spotlight. As I map out the schedule each year, there a few players that make the cut BARELY and a few that miss BARELY. Bell was easily the last guy in. Here's what we know...he didn't jell with Mike Martz and seemed destined to land on his 3rd team after entering free agency this offseason. But with Mike Martz' departure, and Kevin Jones' injury risk, the Lions re-signed the former Oklahoma State Cowboy to a one-year deal. As we know, the Lions WANT to morph into a ball control offense this year. Whether they have the defense, offensive line and RBs to make that happen remains to be seen.

The way I see it, Bell doesn't control his own destiny this year. If rookie Kevin Smith comes in signed, in shape and ready to learn, I expect he'll immediately take over the starting role. Bell would be in the position to spell Smith on occasion, but doesn't have the natural receiving abilities or goal-line prowess to become a regular specialist. On the other hand, if Smith struggles as rookies often do, Bell may end up starting some games. Just because Bell would be an NFL "starter" doesn't mean you should count on him in your fantasy lineup. Yet, any NFL RB that gets regular PT is worth having on a roster arguably; just don't pay much for the "honor."

 

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