Offensive tackle draft prospect Markel Bell from Miami is garnering some interest from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo, Bell talked about the Jaguars as one of many groups he had met with nearly. As we mentioned not too long ago, the Jaguars won’t be hosting prospects on official pre-draft visits.
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Jaguars’ 2026 NFL draft prospect to observe: OT Markel Bell
Bell has seen enjoying time over the past two seasons, which incorporates enjoying 1,034 snaps in 2025. Just about each considered one of his snaps has come at left tackle.
This previous season, Bell allowed no sacks and 15 quarterback pressures over 558 pass-blocking snaps. He was amongst PFF’s highest-rated tackles in their pass-blocking effectivity metric. In run-blocking grade, he ranked fiftieth out of 114 eligible tackles.
Markel Bell’s athletic profile
Bell didn’t do sufficient of the on-field testing to qualify for a Relative Athletic Score (RAS). But he did measure in at 6-086 and weighs 346 kilos. He ran a 5.36-second 40-yard sprint with a 1.84-second 10-yard cut up.
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Markel Bell’s draft profile
Here is what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein needed to say about Bell in his pre-draft scouting report:
“Mountainous tackle with rare physical attributes that work both in his favor and against him depending on the situation. There is no escaping a high center of gravity, which will impact his ability to change direction in protection and create consistent engagement as a run blocker. Bell must play in a gap-scheme attack to minimize his limitations. He has exceptional length that he puts to good use in finding static pass rushers and offering shade to the pocket. NFL edge speed and sudden inside moves could be an evergreen issue for Bell, but with coaching he could learn to mitigate those issues with his length. He has Day 3 value but might have a firm ceiling on his upside.”
What Markel Bell needed to say
At the top of Bell’s interview, Melo requested what sort of affect he may make on the NFL stage.
“I’m going to be a very coachable player. Whatever the coaching staff asks of me, I’m going to get the job done,” Bell stated. “I’m going to be the best player I can be. I’m big on trust and accountability. I pride myself on those two qualities. I’m going to build trust and accountability with my coaches and teammates. When a play gets called by the offensive coordinator, I’m going to execute it at an elite level.”
What is the Jaguars’ want alongside the offensive line?
The Jaguars will enter the draft positioned properly on the offensive line. Their beginning 5 from final season is all nonetheless beneath contract, together with a number of of their first choices off the bench.
However, that does not imply we cannot see GM James Gladstone add to this unit both in the NFL draft — particularly with 11 picks. The Jaguars will likely be in search of improved play in the run sport this season, and a method to assist generate that’s with extra competitors — a component we noticed Jacksonville lean into final summer time alongside the offensive line.
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In addition to that, the draft is about planning forward, and waiting for 2027, there might be turnover inside this place group. Jacksonville may transfer on at that time from Little, Mekari, and/or Hainsey by getting out of their contracts with a great quantity of wage cap financial savings, whereas Edoga will likely be a free agent.
This article initially appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Miami OT Markel Bell has Jaguars’ attention
