2026 Steelers Training Camp Preview: Why Jaheim Bell Should Not Be Ignored

Jaheim Bell is one of those guys who sticks in your mind once you start digging into the roster.

He’s not built like your typical tight end — 6'2", 241 pounds is definitely on the compact side — but that’s exactly why he’s interesting. He fits that modern hybrid mold, the kind of player you can move around and force defenses to think a little harder. And honestly, the Steelers haven’t had many players with that kind of versatility in a while.

What really makes Bell pop is the athleticism. A 4.61 forty and a 35-inch vertical aren’t just nice Combine numbers; they show up in how he plays. He’s quick, he’s smooth, and he has legit YAC ability. In a Mike McCarthy West Coast offense — one built on timing, rhythm, and letting guys work in space — that skill set matters. Bell feels like the type of player you can motion, flex out, or slide into the backfield and suddenly the defense has no clean matchup.

And then there’s the reliability. At Florida State, Bell didn’t just put up stats — he was efficient. A 68.4% catch rate on 39 receptions for 503 yards and three touchdowns is the kind of steady production coaches trust. He knows how to find soft spots, make himself available, and be that underneath option quarterbacks lean on. With a young QB room, having someone who consistently catches what’s thrown his way is a quiet luxury.

All of that gives Bell a real shot to stand out in camp. He doesn’t need to be a traditional tight end to make the roster; he just needs to show he can be a useful, flexible piece in McCarthy’s offense and contribute on special teams. If he does that, he becomes one of those August names fans start buzzing about. He’s absolutely someone worth keeping an eye on.