Ravens signing former Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell to practice squad
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingMichael Ainsworth
It appears the Texans are already preparing for life after Deshaun Watson, considering their first pick of the 2021 draft was Stanford quarterback Davis Mills in the third round. Mills won't keep them from drafting a quarterback here if Watson gets traded. Two of Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley's last three quarterbacks went No. 1 overall. Rattler is a Heisman favorite headed into next season. Top needs: QB, Edge, OL
Michael AinsworthIt appears the Texans are already preparing for life after Deshaun Watson, considering their first pick of the 2021 draft was Stanford quarterback Davis Mills in the third round. Mills won't keep them from drafting a quarterback here if Watson gets traded. Two of Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley's last three quarterbacks went No. 1 overall. Rattler is a Heisman favorite headed into next season. Top needs: QB, Edge, OL
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingChris Pietsch
The only player from Oregon to go first overall in the NFL Draft was George Shaw in 1955. Thibodeaux could threaten that streak. He has combined for 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, 10 tackles and 18 quarterback pressures in two career Pac-12 Championship Games. Top needs: Edge, LB, OT
Chris PietschThe only player from Oregon to go first overall in the NFL Draft was George Shaw in 1955. Thibodeaux could threaten that streak. He has combined for 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, 10 tackles and 18 quarterback pressures in two career Pac-12 Championship Games. Top needs: Edge, LB, OT
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingJay LaPrete
Harrison is still developing pass rush instincts, but a third year coached up by defensive line savant Larry Johnson should do the trick. He could test off the charts when we return to the combine in Indy. Top needs: WR, Edge, LB
Jay LaPreteHarrison is still developing pass rush instincts, but a third year coached up by defensive line savant Larry Johnson should do the trick. He could test off the charts when we return to the combine in Indy. Top needs: WR, Edge, LB
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingJohn Bazemore
Stingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it's in his vicinity. Top needs: CB, TE, OL
John BazemoreStingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it's in his vicinity. Top needs: CB, TE, OL
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingCarlos Osorio
I expect Hamilton to be one of the best all-around defenders in the nation next season. He features a rare combination of size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), athleticism and football IQ for a defensive back. Top needs: CB, TE, S
Carlos OsorioI expect Hamilton to be one of the best all-around defenders in the nation next season. He features a rare combination of size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), athleticism and football IQ for a defensive back. Top needs: CB, TE, S
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingMichael Dwyer
Howell has piled up 7,227 yards, 68 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions in two seasons. He'd be the sixth quarterback from the ACC to be selected in the first round since 2017 — Watson (2017), Mitchell Trubisky (2017), Lamar Jackson (2018), Daniel Jones (2019) and Trevor Lawrence (2021). Top needs: QB, Edge, LB
Michael DwyerHowell has piled up 7,227 yards, 68 touchdowns and only 14 interceptions in two seasons. He'd be the sixth quarterback from the ACC to be selected in the first round since 2017 — Watson (2017), Mitchell Trubisky (2017), Lamar Jackson (2018), Daniel Jones (2019) and Trevor Lawrence (2021). Top needs: QB, Edge, LB
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingBrynn Anderson
Ridder's size (6-4, 215), accuracy and dual-threat capabilities make him an intriguing prospect. He's already 30-5 as a starter and if he levels up, he could be in considered for the top overall pick. Top needs: QB, OL, CB
Brynn AndersonRidder's size (6-4, 215), accuracy and dual-threat capabilities make him an intriguing prospect. He's already 30-5 as a starter and if he levels up, he could be in considered for the top overall pick. Top needs: QB, OL, CB
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingSam Craft
Leal is already one of the most physically imposing players in the SEC and he's still growing. He features inside-outside versatility and is an asset against the run or pass. Top needs: DT, OL, WR
Sam CraftLeal is already one of the most physically imposing players in the SEC and he's still growing. He features inside-outside versatility and is an asset against the run or pass. Top needs: DT, OL, WR
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingJohn Bazemore
After the Steelers failed to address offensive tackle in the draft, I doubt Ben Roethlisberger has much longer. If you're looking for a quarterback with breakout potential like Joe Burrow or Mac Jones, it's Daniels in his first full season as Bulldogs starter. Top needs: QB, OT, CB
John BazemoreAfter the Steelers failed to address offensive tackle in the draft, I doubt Ben Roethlisberger has much longer. If you're looking for a quarterback with breakout potential like Joe Burrow or Mac Jones, it's Daniels in his first full season as Bulldogs starter. Top needs: QB, OT, CB
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingJeffrey McWhorter
If Ross' medical evaluations — he missed 2020 after neck surgery — check out, he's likely the first wide receiver drafted. He has top-10 talent. Top needs: WR, DT, TE
Jeffrey McWhorterIf Ross' medical evaluations — he missed 2020 after neck surgery — check out, he's likely the first wide receiver drafted. He has top-10 talent. Top needs: WR, DT, TE
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingJeffrey McWhorter
Bonitto produced 8.5 sacks in his final seven games as a sophomore. A double-digit sack season wouldn't surprise me as a follow-up. Top needs: CB, LB, OL
Jeffrey McWhorterBonitto produced 8.5 sacks in his final seven games as a sophomore. A double-digit sack season wouldn't surprise me as a follow-up. Top needs: CB, LB, OL
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingMatthew Putney
Hall finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting after leading the nation in rushing yards (1,572) and 100-yard rushing games (nine). Top needs: RB, LB, OL
Matthew PutneyHall finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy balloting after leading the nation in rushing yards (1,572) and 100-yard rushing games (nine). Top needs: RB, LB, OL
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingBarry Reeger
Wilson was impressive in the slot as a sophomore — 723 yards on 43 receptions and six touchdowns in eight games. He'll have a chance to show what he can do outside this season. Top needs: WR, Edge, LB
Barry ReegerWilson was impressive in the slot as a sophomore — 723 yards on 43 receptions and six touchdowns in eight games. He'll have a chance to show what he can do outside this season. Top needs: WR, Edge, LB
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Greg Cote: As teams pray for right QB, Packers’ disrespect of MVP Aaron Rodgers is gallingButch Dill
The Chiefs could pair Wydermyer with Travis Kelce and create all kinds of headaches for defensive coordinators. The 6-5, 260 pound tight end is a reliable blocker and was named as a finalist for the John Mackey Award in 2021 after producing 506 yards on 46 receptions and six touchdowns as a sophomore. Top needs: S, WR, Edge
Butch DillThe Chiefs could pair Wydermyer with Travis Kelce and create all kinds of headaches for defensive coordinators. The 6-5, 260 pound tight end is a reliable blocker and was named as a finalist for the John Mackey Award in 2021 after producing 506 yards on 46 receptions and six touchdowns as a sophomore. Top needs: S, WR, Edge
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Ravens signing former Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell to practice squadIsaac Brekken
FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs running back Le'Veon Bell (26) carries the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas. Just a few years ago, Bell was arguably the best all-around running back in the league as a do-it-all playmaking force for Pittsburgh. Kansas City signed him and he wasn't much of a factor; he was active but didn't play in the Super Bowl.
Isaac BrekkenFILE - In this Nov. 22, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs running back Le'Veon Bell (26) carries the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas. Just a few years ago, Bell was arguably the best all-around running back in the league as a do-it-all playmaking force for Pittsburgh. Kansas City signed him and he wasn't much of a factor; he was active but didn't play in the Super Bowl.
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Ravens signing former Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell to practice squadChris Graythen/Getty Images North America/TNS
Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter in the game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 20, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images/TNS)
Chris Graythen/Getty Images North America/TNSLe'Veon Bell #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter in the game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 20, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images/TNS)
BALTIMORE — The Ravens have found another running back: Le’Veon Bell.
The team is signing the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back to its practice squad, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed, and will likely add him to its 53-man roster when ready. ESPN first reported the deal Tuesday.
The move comes a day after multiple reports said Ravens running back Justice Hill would miss the 2021 season with a torn Achilles tendon, an injury he suffered late last week. The Ravens also lost starter J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending ACL injury against the Washington Football Team in their preseason finale.
Bell, 29, a four-time All-Pro for the Steelers, has rushed for just 1,117 yards on 3.4 yards per carry over the past two seasons. He had 66 catches for 461 yards for the New York Jets in 2019, then had a combined 16 receptions for 138 yards for the Jets and Kansas City Chiefs last year.
Bell’s Chiefs contract expired at the end of last season, and until trying out for the Ravens on Monday, he hadn’t worked out for another team. In June, he lashed out at Kansas City coach Andy Reid, writing on Instagram that he would rather retire than play for Reid again. Bell later explained on Twitter that his feelings stemmed from a comment Reid had made to him, but he didn’t elaborate.
The Ravens will open the season on the road Monday against the Las Vegas Raiders, then face the Chiefs in Week 2 in Baltimore.