Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Grading 2015 Rookie Class after Season

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Blake Bell (84) is tackled by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) and outside linebacker Mark Barron (26) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Blake Bell (84) is tackled by St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) and outside linebacker Mark Barron (26) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

TE Blake Bell

2015 Statistics

The trade of fellow tight end Vernon Davis to the Denver Broncos opened up the door for fourth-round pick Blake Bell to start making his stamp on the 49ers offense in the second half of the season.

Bell, a former quarterback at Oklahoma-turned tight end, was still behind fellow TEs Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek on the depth chart but ended up seeing some added looks when injuries pushed him up the ladder

The rookie finished the season with 15 receptions on 25 targets for 186 yards — an average of 12.4 yards per carry.

What makes Bell intriguing is his physical stature. True, he had just one collegiate year at the position, but his 6’6″, 263-pound frame cannot be ignored.

Bell finished the year with a minus-10.7 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. So there is plenty upon which Bell needs to work.

But he had his moments. And he still has his potential.

Grade: C-

Next: Eli Harold