Saints trade up to grab S Vonn Bell

Following a trade with the New England Patriots, the New Orleans Saints selected safety Vonn Bell out of Ohio State in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Friday.

To acquire the 61st overall pick used to draft Bell, the Saints sent a third- and fourth-round pick to the Patriots.

Bell becomes the seventh pick from Ohio State in the first two rounds of the 2016 draft, which ties the NFL record. The Saints are desperate for a playmaker at the safety position, and Bell certainly has the potential to fill that role.

The junior registered 65 tackles with two interceptions in his final collegiate season, and finished sixth in the country with six picks in 2014.

Vonn Bell Bio

Position: S
School: Ohio State
College Experience: Junior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205 lbs.

Strengths

• Displays excellent ball skills and has a propensity to record interceptions when the ball is in his general vicinity.
• Elevated his performance against top-caliber teams and shows an innately high level of competitiveness.
• Reacts quickly after the snap and takes excellent, precise routes to the ball carrier.
• Although he's not the most powerful player, uses good technique to bring down ball carriers.
• Sports the versatility to play nickel cornerback or safety at the professional level.

Weaknesses

• Lacks ideal size for an NFL safety and possesses average straight-line speed.
• Needs to work on hip rotations to adjust to downfield routes and double moves.

Combine Results