Moving Markquese Bell back to safety looking like the right decision
The best defensive player for the Cowboys in their first preseason game on Sunday was safety Markquese Bell. He led the team in total tackles with nine, while also snagging the defense’s first of four interceptions in the game. According to PFF, he was the fourth-highest graded Cowboys player in the game with an 85.2 grade. This ranked as the sixth-highest grade among safeties in week one of the preseason.
Bell signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He made the initial 53-man roster as a safety where he played five games for the team. Last season, Bell had a much bigger impact for the defense. He played all 17 games and started 12 of them. However, he played at the linebacker position.
Bell was thrust into the linebacker role after DeMarvion Overshown and Leighton Vander Esch both suffered season-ending injuries. Bell was able to provide speed and coverage ability that many bigger linebackers are unable to, with him having the size and athleticism as a safety. He was able to rack up 96 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and four pass deflections. Unfortunately, Bell’s size came as a disadvantage in run defense. It was particularly apparent in the wild card round loss to the Green Bay Packers, when the team couldn’t stop Aaron Jones from running up the middle for big gains.
Despite linebacker having its ups and downs for Bell, he now has an edge to his game that not every safety has. He has spent valuable game reps learning the linebacker position, perfecting pursuit angles, and enhancing his defensive IQ at the position. For these reasons, it’s a safe bet that Bell could have a big season for the team in 2024. While Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson are the team’s two starters, Bell could be Zimmer’s Swiss army knife for the team this season.