RB Bell, TE Sims bolt Michigan State for NFL
Michigan State juniors Le'Veon Bell and Dion Sims will skip their senior seasons and enter the 2013 NFL Draft.
Bell currently ranks as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 11 running back, projecting as middle-round pick. He led the Big Ten in rushing in 2012 with 1,793 yards (63 yards ahead of Wisconsin running back Montee Ball) on 382 carries (4.7-yard average) and 12 touchdowns. Bell also added 32 catches for 167 yards and a score.
Listed at 6-2, 237, Bell is a powerfully-built runner who has the ability to break tackles with pad level, strength and quickness. He lacks ideal speed and finds trouble when attempting to go east-west, but he has NFL potential in the right offense.
Sims is NFLDraftScout.com's No. 4-rated tight end, behind three other juniors Tyler Eifert, Zach Ertz and Jordan Reed, although they have yet to declare early for the NFL Draft. At 6-5, 285, Sims looks almost more like an offensive lineman, but he moves like a tight end with the foot quickness and body control to be an effective pass-catcher.
He finished 2012 with just 36 catches for 475 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he was left home at the line of scrimmage to block a lot in the Spartans offense and inconsistent quarterback play didn't help.
Michigan State junior defensive end William Gholston remains mum on his decision whether or not to go pro. Draft-eligible underclassmen have until January 15 to decide on their NFL future.
