Analysts differ on Le'Veon Bell's ranking in NFL draft

With the NFL draft approaching, the only certainty for former Michigan State players is that there hardly seems to be any agreement, at least when it comes to running back Le'Veon Bell.

Bell left Michigan State after his junior season and has had impressive workouts at the combine and during pro day workouts.

But opinions vary widely on a player who, in three seasons, finished among Michigan State's career leaders in rushing touchdowns (33, sixth), rushing attempts (671, sixth), rushing yards (3,346, seventh) and all-purpose yards (4,114, ninth).

"Le'Veon Bell is my sixth-highest-rated running back," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. "I have him with a third- or fourth-round grade."

CBSsports.com ranks Bell the ninth-best running back in the draft, but other analysts have him as high as fourth.

One analyst for NFL.com said Bell's performance at the combine rates him No. 1.

Bell ran a 4.60 40 at the combine, but there is concern he won't live up to that speed if he regains the 12 or 13 pounds he dropped since the end of Michigan State's season.

"To see him going in that (third- or fourth-round) area is very viable," Kiper said. "He's a build-up speed guy and is not as quick out of the blocks. He's deceptively quick and I think people misjudge and misread him when they get those pursuit angles. He can catch the ball effectively and can block adequately. He'll be a third- to fifth-round type of player."

Kiper also was asked about former Spartans defensive end William Gholston.

The 6-foot-7 Gholston also left early, but has not performed well at the combine or during pro day.

"Gholston fits that 3-4 scheme with everybody looking for a five-technique," Kiper said. "The bottom line: Is the pass-rush ability where it needs to be? No, but in that scheme with his size and his ability to hold at the point, I think third or fourth round for Gholston. He fits that 3-4 type scheme and can hold his own at the line against the run."

mcharboneau@detroitnews.com

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Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130405/SPORTS0202/304050349/1132/rss18

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