From East Lansing to Two Leagues: Malcolm Bell Goes No. 9 in CFL Draft, Earns Browns Rookie Invite
From Browns tryout to first-round CFL pick, Malcolm Bell navigates two pro football paths after a standout Michigan State career.
As Michigan State Spartans football players were picked up left and right following the NFL Draft, there was one player in particular who stood out. Not only did he receive an invite from an NFL organization, but he was also drafted just days later—this time by the Canadian Football League. Michigan State alum and defensive back Malcolm Bell was invited to Cleveland Browns rookie minicamp for a tryout.
Just a couple of days after that invite, Bell was selected in the first round of the CFL Draft with the ninth overall pick by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Their next chapter, back home. 🇨🇦🏈 pic.
twitter. com/GrjbkJDE8K — Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) April 29, 2026 Bell began his collegiate career at University of Connecticut, where he spent four seasons. He was redshirted as a freshman, appearing in just one game and recording one tackle.
However, things quickly changed. As a redshirt freshman, Bell burst onto the scene at UConn, forcing his way into action in all 12 games. He finished the season with 26 solo tackles and 39 total tackles—both career highs during his time there.