This long and busy offseason is finally coming to a close, with the New England Patriots starting training camp on Tuesday. They’ve undergone numerous changes to restore the team to their winning days, hiring Mike Vrabel as the new head coach and Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator.
One area that they must improve upon is the offense, as they ranked last in passing yards and 30th in points last season. Because Drake Maye lacked a decent support cast the previous year, Eliot Wolf emphasized surrounding him with playmakers, adding Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and TreVeyon Henderson to the mix.
Now, McDaniels must identify other players in camp who fit his scheme. If this Patriots fan favorite has a strong camp performance, he’ll certainly catch McDaniels’ attention and sneak onto the team.
Jaheim Bell Could Sneak onto the Patriots' Roster
Jaheim Bell was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2024 draft. Bell played four years at the college level, three with South Carolina and one with Florida State, posting 95 receptions, 1,260 yards, and nine touchdowns in 43 games.
He spent the majority of his rookie season on special teams, playing behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. Bell managed to play only 84 snaps on offense, posting two receptions on three targets for 20 yards.
Unlike Henry and Hooper, Bell is a versatile tight end who’s had experience lining up all over the field. During his 2022 season with South Carolina, Bell played as a running back, recording 261 rushing yards on 73 attempts and scoring three touchdowns.
Jaheim Bell. pic.twitter.com/c9sjmiOIPU
— Matt St. Jean (@mattstdream) November 13, 2024
Although he didn’t have a single rushing attempt last season, he managed to record nine snaps in the backfield. With McDaniels being creative in finding ways to use players, Bell could be used as a gadget player.
First, Bell must have a great camp performance to have a shot at making the roster. The Patriots already have two tight ends seemingly guaranteed to make the roster, meaning there is only one spot left.
Bell will have to outperform UDFA signings CJ Dippre and Brock Lampe. Although Lampe is a fullback, he could potentially eliminate the last tight end spot if he were to make the team.
Because the Patriots have so many receivers and McDaniels’ fondness for fullbacks, Lampe has a real chance of making the team. Bell needs to demonstrate a noticeable improvement in his development and understanding of McDaniels' scheme to secure a roster spot.