PITTSFORD — A non-descript group of tech-wizards who watch and read about football, and represent a coach-turned-caricature, have chosen to identify the NFL’s worst player.
His name is Demetrius Bell, one of the Buffalo Bills’ 10 drafted rookies, the first of three seventh-round selections.
When the ubiquitous Madden video game franchise releases its latest edition Tuesday (with a green-and-gold-clad Brett Favre on the cover) players will find that Buffalo’s rookie offensive tackle is the lowest rated player on the game — by far.
According to advance reviews of the game, Bell was given an overall rating of 53. Every other player in the game has a rating of 60 or better.
Perhaps its a good thing Bell doesn’t play much Madden.
“I’ve never gotten into playing games,” he said following a recent training camp practice at St. John Fisher College. “I was an outdoor person.”
Informed of his low rating, Bell had an optimistic reaction.
“That’s good, because I have to work my way up,” he said. “I don’t want them to think I’m good, then I end up being a bust. I think it gives me a chance to show people how good I can be.”
Based solely on experience, Bell, 24, would have a hard time justifying a higher Madden rating than any of his fellow rookies. He only played two seasons at Northwestern State University, a Football Championship Series program in Louisiana.
He was an all-state selection both seasons, and as a senior was named all-conference and All-America after helping the Demons rack up 3,996 yards.
Bell, the estranged son of former NBA MVP Karl Malone, also played three seasons of college basketball, starting at center for a squad that defeated Iowa in the NCAA tournament in 2006.
“Basketball helped me a lot with my footwork,” Bell said. “As a matter of fact, I know that’s what got me here. It made me a good athlete when it comes to football. Footwork is what this game is all about.”
Bell likened pass-blocking to the feet-shuffling fundamentals of basketball defense.
Buffalo’s offensive line coach Sean Kugler said Bell has performed well so far in training camp, where he’s received extra work due to the absence of All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters.
“Demetrius is a raw kid,” said Kugler, a Lockport native. “He’s very talented, great athletic ability, good feet, he’s a hard-worker, he’s conscientious. If he works hard every day, it’s going to be a long process, but he could be a very good pro.”
Which means his Madden rating could skyrocket. Peters had a rating in the low 60s when he joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent tight end. This year, he sports a 97 rating, the highest among offensive tackles.
“The Madden ratings, we don’t have any control over those things so we can’t really worry about them,” said tight end Robert Royal.
Royal referenced Ethan Albright, a former teammate in Washington who was given a 53 rating for Madden ‘07.
Last season, Albright made the Pro Bowl as a long snapper.
Contact reporter Jonah Bronstein at 282-2311, ext. 2258.
Photos
Doug Benz/staff photographer
WORKING HARD: Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Demetrius Bell played just two seasons of football at Northwestern State University. Bell has gotten extra reps at training camp this year with the absence of left tackle Jason Peters.DOUG BENZ/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/(Click for larger image)
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