Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has proven a few things in his time in the NFL. One is that he is a good defensive coach. Another is that he might be the best safety whisperer that the league has seen in years.
Almost certainly, a safety will improve under Macdonald if they do as Macdonald instructs. This happened with the Baltimore Ravens when Kyle Hamilton became a First-Team All-Pro in his second season in the league with Macdonald as his defensive coordinator.
Last season with the Seahawks, third-year pro Coby Bryant became the latest Macdonald to hit big. Bryant went from nickel corner as a rookie to a backup at safety to an important part of the defense heading into 2025. He might not be a Pro Bowler, but Bryant was graded as Pro Football Focus's (subscription required) 22nd-best safety in the league in 2024.
D'Anthony Bell could be a surprising standout during Seattle Seahawks training camp
This is where D'Anthony Bell comes in. Bell is entering his fourth season in the league, and hasn't gotten much of a chance to start. With the Seahawks, he shouldn't be expected to start either, but he has the skill set to excel when called upon.
Bell's best attribute might be his ability to help stop the run. He received an elite grade in run defense from PFF in 2023, the season he has so far gotten his most snaps. In 2024, while his overall grade went down slightly, his run support grade did not diminish much.
Bell has also not yet allowed a touchdown pass when targeted, though he does have two interceptions. His career yards allowed per reception is 9.9, which is solid for a safety. Also of note, Bell appears to play better when he gets more reps.
The safety will have to battle for a roster spot, though. Seattle could keep only four safeties with Julian Love, Bryant, and rookie Nick Emmanwori among them, so Bell's biggest competition is likely Jerrick Reed II. Reed's biggest issue is staying healthy, having missed 19 games in his first two seasons. Bell has only missed one in three years.
Bell's versatility should help him, too. He can provide decent coverage, but Mike Macdonald knows he can play Bell on obvious run downs as well and feel secure that Bell will help set a hard edge on the outside. He also excelled on special teams in 2024.
To make the team, though, D'Anthony Bell is going to have to stand out in training camp. He will almost certainly get a lot of reps in preseason games, and he should be expected to perform well. Well enough to earn a roster spot, most likely.