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The Denver Broncos are interested in Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell, a 6-9, 346-pound prospect projected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Ranked as the 10th-best offensive tackle, he has a 3rd-4th round grade and could be a future left tackle for the team.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 4: Markel Bell #70 of the Miami Hurricanes looks on during pregame before the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 4, 2025 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One prospect the Denver Broncos have been showing interest in and could select in the middle rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft is Miami offensive tackle. He is a massive 6-9, 346-pound offensive tackle who is viewed as one of the more intriguing blockers in this draft. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, has Bell ranked as his 10th-best offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft and has a 3rd-4th round grade on him.
Bell’s road to the NFL started at Holmes Community College, where he played for two seasons before graduating and becoming a four-star JUCO recruit. He committed to Miami, where he spent the past two seasons and appeared in a total of 29 games, with 21 of those games being starts. He was a standout left tackle at Holmes Community College and continued playing left tackle at Miami, where he was also a standout player. He made the Third-team All-ACC in 2025 while also making the CSC Academic All-American, Second Team as well. Bell was a key part of the Miami Hurricanes 2025 team that made it to the National Championship Game and was also later invited to the Senior Bowl.
The Broncos have Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey locked in as starters, but Bolles will be 34 years old, and McGlinchey will be 31 and nearing the end of his contract. After not drafting an offensive tackle since 2017, when they selected Bolles in the first round, could this be the year they finally draft an offensive tackle? Markel Bell is a massive prospect with an intriguing blend of size, length, athleticism, and traits, but he will need some development.
Markel Bell | Offensive Tackle | Miami
Strengths
Weaknesses
The Athletic’s lead draft analyst, Dane Brugler, on Miami OT Markel Bell
Bell is a towering, top-heavy blocker who can engulf defenders with his initial movements and massive wingspan. His technical skill continues to mature with additional reps, although savvy rushers can attack his leverage and quickly force him into recovery mode. His average knee bend shows when trying to dig out defenders, but he has enough quickness to cover up in the run game. Bell is high cut and faces some disadvantages because of how he is built, but he compensates with his length and ascending awareness, which suggests he has NFL starts in his future. His performance in 2025 forced NFL scouts to reevaluate both his ceiling and floor.
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on Miami OT Markel Bell
Mountainous tackle with rare physical attributes that work both in his favor and against him depending on the situation. There is no escaping a high center of gravity, which will impact his ability to change direction in protection and create consistent engagement as a run blocker. Bell must play in a gap-scheme attack to minimize his limitations. He has exceptional length that he puts to good use in finding static pass rushers and offering shade to the pocket. NFL edge speed and sudden inside moves could be an evergreen issue for Bell, but with coaching he could learn to mitigate those issues with his length. He has Day 3 value but might have a firm ceiling on his upside.
If they value his size, length, and potential, then it makes sense. There aren’t many humans on the planet who are 6-9, 350 pounds, with 37-inch arms who also have some level of athleticism. If you can continue to develop that player, get them into a little bit better shape, you may have a dominant left tackle in the making.
Bell is a left tackle who excels at pass blocking, but needs to continue developing his overall game. He only has one full year of starting experience and went from JUCO to Miami in a short time. He’s far from a finished product, but he did show real growth this past season. With Garett Bolles turning 34 years old this upcoming season, the Broncos need to start planning for the future at the position. They will be paying quarterback Bo Nix probably $45 to $50 million dollars per year in the near future, so you will need to continue building this offensive line for the present and the future.
Bell could serve as the Broncos’ swing tackle in the short-term, but will need to learn to play right tackle, and come in and use his size/power to help the Broncos’ run game in short yardage and goal line situations. Down the line, he could be a potential replacement for Bolles or McGlinchey.
Markel Bell is a 6-9, 346-pound offensive tackle.
Before joining Miami, Markel Bell played for Holmes Community College for two seasons.
Markel Bell was named Third-team All-ACC in 2025 and made the CSC Academic All-American, Second Team.
The Broncos may draft an offensive tackle due to Garett Bolles being 34 years old and Mike McGlinchey nearing the end of his contract.

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