Former Purdue wide receiver always saw the opponent’s top defensive backs. As one of the premier receivers in the B1G the past three seasons, Bell warranted plenty of attention during his career in West Lafayette.

Bell is in Indianapolis this week for the NFL Scouting Combine, receiving an invitation after closing the 2021 season with 1,286 yards and 6 touchdowns on 93 catches. When asked for the one defensive back that gave him the most trouble while with the Boilermakers, the star receiver didn’t hesitate.

“Greg Newsome. Hands down,” Bell said.

Bell continued to say that he’s never faced another cornerback with as much talent and patience as Newsome.

Newsome was a key piece on Northwestern’s defense during the team’s B1G West title run in 2020. He was a first-team All-B1G selection and went on to be a first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

This year, Newsome was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his first season with the Cleveland Browns.