Former Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell ended his junior season as the Big Ten's leading rusher.

But when Bell decided in January to forgo his senior year and enter the 2013 NFL draft, he was not projected as a first round pick.

Bell was invited to participate in the scouting combine that wrapped up Tuesday in Indianapolis. After impressive 40-yard dash results (4.60 official, 4.52 by others), Todd McShay ranked his workout as one of the Top 3 turned in at the combine.

Still, Bell was unable to crack Mel Kiper, Jr.'s Top 5 at the position, ranking behind running backs such as Alabama's Eddie Lacy, Wisconsin's Montee Ball, Texas A&M's Christine Michael, UCLA's Johnathan Franklin and Utah State's Kerwynn WIlliams.

But, according to NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks, there's a little secret circulating through scouting circles following the combine: Le'Veon Bell has emerged as the best running back in the 2013 NFL Draft and "it's not even close".

"From multiple jump cuts to crafty spin moves in the open field, Bell's ability to make defenders miss at his size is quite rare," Brooks wrote. "With Bell more than capable of running through contact, gaining 951 yards after contact in 2012, it is not surprising he has become a favorite of scouts and coaches around the league."

Brooks sees five NFL teams as perfect fits for the former Spartan, including Denver, Green Bay, Atlanta, Oakland and Indianapolis.

"I know that statement certainly will cause some consternation among the legions of Eddie Lacy, Montee Ball and Giovani Bernard supporters," Brooks added. "But there is not a more complete back in this draft than Bell.

"You don't see big guys like this run like that. When I look at him on tape, he reminds me of Steven Jackson, maybe a little Matt Forte."

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