Brilliant or Boneheaded?

In a somewhat surprising move, the Denver Broncos have named undrafted rookie Mike Bell as their starting running back. For the other thirty-one teams in the NFL, this announcement would come as a shock. However, given his history of success with lower drafted tailbacks, coach Mike Shanahan is given a lot more leeway in his decisions at the halfback position.

Last year, Bell was the leading rusher from the University of Arizona Wildcats. Nevertheless, this did not earn him much recognition as a great NFL prospect. However, in the last few days I have heard numerous reports coming out of Broncos camp that he could be the closest running back to Terrell Davis that the Broncos have had. Since TD retired in 2001, the Broncos have turned no-name backs such as Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, and Reuben Droughns into 1,000 yard runners. The only big time RB prospect for the Broncos was former Miami Hurricane Clinton Portis, and he was traded to the Washington Redskins for Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey after only two years with the Broncos. How many teams would really trade a 1,500 yard back for a cornerback? I say just one.

Could Bell be another in the long line of thousand-yard running backs for the boys from Denver or is this just Mike Shanahan’s ego getting the best of him? As soon as freight train linebacker knocks Mr. Bell on his back, then we will know if he is ready to star in the NFL or not.