David Bell retires from the NFL after parts of three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, closing a remarkable arc from Warren Central to Purdue to pro football. The 2022 third-round pick logged 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns before an off-field injury and health concerns ended his career. Bell’s high school clutch moments and Purdue All-American run fuel a fresh fantasy narrative about durability, opportunity, and what-ifs beyond the NFL.

His exit reshapes Browns’ receiver depth and provides a cautionary tale for fantasy managers: elite talent needs staying power to translate into long-term value. Bell’s story—Indiana prodigy, college star, NFL contributor—remains a reminder that health and role certainty drive dynasty projections just as much as talent.

Cleveland sits 1-5 as Stefanski faces mounting pressure and locker-room tensions. The piece pins the woes on Andrew Berry’s cap-centric roster strategy, an fragile offensive line, and a wide-receiver group led by Jeudy that hasn’t hit expectations. With 11 games remaining, the franchise must translate talent into wins or risk a regime shakeup amid questions about development and long-term vision.

Purdue has 14 alumni on NFL rosters for the 2025 season, led by George Karlaftis in Kansas City. Aidan O’Connell and Raheem Mostert link up for the Raiders, while Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Marcus Mbow may pair again with the Giants. Charlie Jones, Payne Durham, Derrick Barnes, Sanoussi Kane, Rondale Moore, David Bell, Cory Trice Jr., Jalen Graham, and Reese Taylor are scattered across the league, offering depth and late-round fantasy/IDP upside across Bengals, Buccaneers, Lions, Ravens, Vikings, Browns, Steelers, 49ers, Giants, and Broncos.

The Purdue pipeline continues to influence dynasty and streamer decisions, with injury notes, camp chatter, and depth-chart shifts shaping how owners value Purdue-affiliated players in the weeks ahead. Stakeholders should monitor IR statuses for O’Connell, backfield splits in Vegas, and Giants’ backfield competition as the season unfolds.

Cleveland rests Watson and several starters in the preseason finale against the Rams, elevating depth players and shifting targets in the passing game. Expect backups to see meaningful reps (roughly 25-30 snaps for those who do play) and for Cedric Tillman and David Bell to audition behind limited top targets. Rookies and depth linemen will also get a closer look as Cleveland evaluates its rotation and roster battles.

Fantasy bettors should monitor how the Browns distribute snaps and targets behind the absent stars. The absence of Ward and Garrett could open opportunities for Rams pass-catchers and Browns depth pieces, while the offensive line rotation may shape timing and rushing lanes. This game doubles as a live-audit for Cleveland’s depth and the players most likely to contribute in Week 1.