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Former Ridgeland High School star Vonn Bell is one of the highest picks from the Chattanooga area in NFL draft history. Here’s a list of some of the previous early-round choices:› Reggie White, DL (Howard, University of Tennessee) Eagles selected him fourth overall in 1984 supplemental draft.› Reggie Mathis, LB (Notre Dame, University of Oklahoma) Saints drafted him in second round (No. 38 overall) in 1979.› Josh Bullocks, DB (Hixson, University of Nebraska) Saints drafted him in second round (No. 40 overall) in 2005.› Daniel Bullocks, DB (Hixson, University of Nebraska) Lions drafted him in second round (No. 40 overall) in 2006.› Eddie Moore, LB (South Pittsburg, University of Tennessee) Dolphins drafted him in second round (No. 49 overall) in 2003.› Donnie Elder, DB (Brainerd, Memphis State) Jets drafted him in third round (No. 67 overall) in 1985.› Eric Westmoreland, LB (Marion County, University of Tennessee) Jaguars drafted him in third round (No. 73 overall) in 2001.
Vonn Bell had to wait longer than he wanted, but the former Ridgeland High School star was selected in the second round of the NFL draft Friday evening by the New Orleans Saints. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound safety, who earned All-America honors his junior season at Ohio State, was taken with the 61st overall pick.
"It was very tough to sit and watch it and have to wait to hear my name called," said Bell, who watched the draft with family and close friends at home. "But everything happens for a reason, and now I'm just ready to go show why I believe I'm the best player at my position in this draft."
Bell was the seventh Buckeyes player taken in this year's draft, tying a record for most from one program in a single draft. He also becomes only the sixth player from the Chattanooga area to be taken in the first two rounds.
"Me and (Saints) coach Sean Payton had talked a few times, exchanged messages, so I knew they were very interested in me," Bell said. "I got a call before they made the official pick - it was from Coach Payton - and he said they had traded up to get me.
"You only get drafted one time in your life, so it was a surreal experience. Everybody here was excited for me. Now I'm very eager and ready to get to it."
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who is serving as a guest analyst for the NFL Network, said of Bell immediately after the pick, "He has the skill set of a cornerback and is a great worker in practice."
ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay praised Bell as being the "best cover safety in this year's class."
Bell also joins former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga linebacker Davis Tull on the Saints defense. Tull is entering his second season with the team, having sat out much of last year following shoulder rehabilitation.
When asked what he planned to buy first once he signs his contract, Bell laughed and replied, "I'm saving my money. There's nothing I'm even thinking about buying. I'm just thinking about getting to work and proving myself at the next level."
One of only three area players to earn a five-star rating as a high school prospect (along with former Red Bank running back Gerald Riggs Jr. and former Calhoun receiver Da'Rick Rogers) Bell put together an impressive resume at Ohio State, ending his college career with 176 tackles, 22 passes defended and nine interceptions in 42 games. During his sophomore season, when OSU went on to claim the national title, 000Bell put himself on an elite level, finishing with 92 total tackles, the most by a Buckeyes safety in 12 seasons, to go with six interceptions.
After another solid season last fall Bell participated in the scouting combine in late February, then worked out for representatives from all 32 teams at Ohio State's pro day, where he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and completed 16 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press.
The Saints took Bell's Ohio State teammate, receiver Michael Thomas, with the pick before selecting Bell.
Players drafted this weekend next will report for rookie minicamp, which begins next weekend.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.