2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Daniel Bell, S, Mount Allison University

• Name: Daniel Bell
• Position:  Safety
• College: Mount Allison University
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 220
• Instagram: daniel_bell4

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

I believe my size and versatility make me a highly looked-at prospect. I have the ability to play multiple positions on defense all while dominating on special teams. Having the size and frame that I have along with my athletic ability is what allows me to make plays all over the field at multiple positions. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I’ve enjoyed watching and playing football ever since the age of 12. Growing up I played just about every sport in the books, but football was always number 1. I liked the physicality aspect the most but also how much of a team sport it was. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing teams should know about me is I take my athletic and football development seriously. My eating, sleeping, and training are elite and are what have gotten me as far as I’ve come. I’m constantly striving to be the best version of myself.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I don’t have an exact specific cause per se, but I would donate to an organization that gives back to the kids in the community. I couldn’t imagine my life without football and sports, so I would like the younger generation to find what they’re passionate about whether it’s football or another sport. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I received was from my high school football coach, Dave Grandy. There was a high school football poster I made him sign and he wrote on it        “Chase your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you you can’t”.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero is my Grampy Bell. Throughout my younger years, he has continued to teach me how to be a great person all while supporting my football dreams and aspirations. I’ve seen him battle and survive cancer and he currently still battles some serious health problems. Seeing how strong he is as a person pushes and motivates me to keep pursuing my goals no matter what. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Well, I am a movie guy, so I will have to say people that who talk a lot during movies are my biggest pet peeve. Other than that, I’m pretty easygoing.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

In regard to my football career, when I was 14, I tried out for Team New Brunswick and eventually got cut from my position as running back. They contacted me a couple of days later saying I could continue to try out but as a defensive back. Obviously, I was still very hurt from getting cut in the first place but I gave it my all at DB and now here I am in University playing DB. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Mount Allison has always been a university close to home for me as I have grown up playing football there for team New Brunswick. I love how tight-knit a community it is and how you can take a short walk through campus and see people you know well.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I’m going to have to go with beef jerky. Not a huge sugar snack guy and got to get my protein in. 

What is the best part of football? 

I love how you need to be an all-around athlete in order to really succeed at the sport. You need to be big, strong, fast, explosive, physical, and all while having a good IQ. I believe this is what makes football such an awesome sport.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say? 

I’m an extremely hard worker, always wanting to better myself and disciplined with what I’m passionate about 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I believe my NFL comparison would be Kyle Dugger. Were both 6’2, both 220 lbs, and were both very lengthy safety. I believe we both bring that physicality in the run game from safety but are athletic enough as well to cover top wideouts deep downfield. I love watching him play as I like to mimic my game after him.