Was Le’Veon Bell Worth The 9th Pick In The NFL Draft?
Le’Veon Bell is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. Bell entered the 2016 season under suspension. The Steelers RB was typically taken with the 9th pick in the first round. People were willing to spend a first round pick on him although he was set to miss the first few games of the regular season. Why did so many people still draft Bell in the first round? Did Bell reward owners who had faith in him and selected him in the first round?
2015 Season
Le’Veon Bell entered the 2015 season as a hot commodity. The 2014 season saw Bell rush 290 times, with 1361 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. Bell was impressive through the receiving game, picking up 854 yards and 3 touchdowns on 83 catches. Bell was in line to have a big 2015 season.
Le’Veon Bell’s 2015 season was snuffed out due to injuries. Bell only played in six games due to damage to his MCL/PCL requiring surgery. Bell rushed 113 times for 556 yards and 3 touchdowns. Bell also caught 24 passes for 126 yards. Bell did not complete his season but was still regarded as one of the best RB’s in football.
2016 Season
Le’Veon Bell was still regarded as one of the best RB’s in football going into the 2016 season. Considering the RB performances were so lackluster in 2015 this was not really a surprise. Bell was typically drafted with the 9th pick in fantasy football drafts. So how did Bell perform in 2016? Amazing. Bell was the fifth best Non-QB although he only played 12 games in 2016. The Juice finished 2nd in terms of Fantasy Points Per Game for non-QB only trailing David Johnson. Bell rushed 261 times for 1268 yards and 7 touchdowns. Le’Veon Bell also had 75 catches for 616 yards and 2 touchdowns. Bell finished 3rd in the NFL with 1884 all purpose yards, an amazing feat considering he only played 12 games.
Outlook
Le’Veon Bell should have an amazing 2017 season as long as he can stay healthy. He has shown the ability to produce throughout his career. The RB is in the prime of his career and should not be declining due to age. Bell is surrounded by great players on a good offense.
Ben Roethlisberger has decided to play another season, Martavis Bryant is returning from suspension and the team has arguably the leagues best WR in Antonio Brown. Bell plays alongside a high powered Steelers offense. The benefit to this is that it results in him being in the redzone and being on an offense that scores with regularity.
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CONCLUSION
Le’Veon Bell was absolutely worth the 9th pick in the draft. He should be in line for another productive season in 2017. People who took Bell anywhere in the first round were rewarded as Bell was the 5th best player in all of fantasy football although he had only played 12 games.
Next: Was Lamar Miller Worth The 8th Pick?
The 2017 campaign should see Le’Veon being picked with one of the first few picks of fantasy drafts. There is no way Le’Veon slips to the 9th pick this season