From East Lansing to Two Leagues: Malcolm Bell Goes No. 9 in CFL Draft, Earns Browns Rookie Invite

(© Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)

As Michigan State Spartans football players were picked up left and right following the NFL Draft, there was one player in particular who stood out. Not only did he receive an invite from an NFL organization, but he was also drafted just days later—this time by the Canadian Football League.

Michigan State alum and defensive back Malcolm Bell was invited to Cleveland Browns rookie minicamp for a tryout. Just a couple of days after that invite, Bell was selected in the first round of the CFL Draft with the ninth overall pick by the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Bell began his collegiate career at University of Connecticut, where he spent four seasons. He was redshirted as a freshman, appearing in just one game and recording one tackle. However, things quickly changed.

As a redshirt freshman, Bell burst onto the scene at UConn, forcing his way into action in all 12 games. He finished the season with 26 solo tackles and 39 total tackles—both career highs during his time there. Of those 39 tackles, 1.5 were for loss. Bell also proved he could impact the passing game, finishing the 2022 season with six pass deflections, another personal best at UConn.

In 2023, as a redshirt sophomore, Bell again appeared in all 12 games. While his numbers dipped slightly—19 solo tackles and 28 total—he still made his presence felt. He added another 1.5 tackles for loss, recorded four pass deflections, and forced his first career fumble.

As a redshirt junior in 2024, Bell played in nine games, totaling 22 solo tackles and 26 overall. He continued to show his relentless, physical style of play, consistently putting his body on the line. That aggressive approach did cost him some time, as he missed three games, but he still managed one tackle for loss and three pass deflections in limited action.

With one year of eligibility remaining, Bell entered the transfer portal and landed in East Lansing. Suiting up for Michigan State, he played in all 12 games and elevated his performance even further. Bell recorded a career-high 31 solo tackles and 49 total tackles. He also blew past his previous mark in tackles for loss, finishing with five—including the first sack of his career. Bell tied his career high with six pass deflections, rounding out a strong final collegiate season.