The Cleveland Browns have entered contract negotiations with representatives for Beau Bell, their rookie fourth-round linebacker from Nevada-Las Vegas.

Discussions are only in the preliminary stages, but the team's top pick is expected to be signed before training camp opens next month.

During a phone interview with Bell on Sunday, the linebacker shared his enthusiasm about being in Cleveland and taking part in training camp at the club's Berea headquarters.

"Everything is going good and it's just an honor to be here in Cleveland playing for the Browns," Bell said. "I'm glad the organization gave me this opportunity to keep playing football. It was an exciting day for me when the Browns called my name on draft day."

Cleveland surrendered its top three picks in the 2008 draft because of trades, making Bell its "Top Dawg" at No. 104 overall.

The Browns traded their '08 No. 1 pick to Dallas during the 2007 draft so they could pick quarterback Brady Quinn in the first round at No. 22 overall. They sent their No. 2 choice to Green Bay for defensive end Corey Williams, then shipped their No. 3 — plus cornerback Leigh Bodden — to Detroit in exchange for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.

Bell surprisingly slipped to the fourth round on Day 2 of the draft and that's when the Browns made their move. Bell received a phone call from head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage informing him that the team was going to trade up (from No. 122) to select him.

"I was really excited to hear that," Bell said. "Once I heard that it didn't matter what round I went in. The 40-time and all that other pre-draft stuff went out the window. It was I'm going to play football."

The linebacker was projected to go as high as the first or second round. When the team's masterminds saw him slipping, they knew this was their chance to grab first-round talent at a bargain-basement price.

Bell said he stayed away from the TV set on Day 1 of the draft because he didn't want to get his hopes up. In fact, he was out playing golf with his good friend former USC offensive tackle Sam Baker, who was selected in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons. The two were together when Baker got his call.

Bottom line: The Falcons got their man and the Browns got theirs.

The 6-foot-1, 250-pound Bell is a dominant inside presence with the unique ability to take on a guard and put him on his fanny. There aren't many linebackers who possess that ability. He's very athletic with good speed and is extremely physical. Bell is a real range-rover, covering a lot of ground while in pursuit, and is a sure tackler. He does a nice job dropping into coverage and has an unbelievable work ethic.

Growing up, Bell idolized New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, who is known for his warrior-type work ethic. Bell and his older brother use to argue over who was going to be Seau when playing football as kids.

Bell's agent, Joe Flanagan, gave some insight on what sets Bell apart from other 'backers.

"Beau's natural explosion at the point of contact is rare," Flanagan said. "You can't teach it, and you don't see it very often at any level. Plus, he just turned 22 years old, and he's already a solid 250 pounds. As he continues to mature, both physically and mentally, he is going to become an absolute menace."

The Browns defense is perfect for Bell to show off his many skills. Although he is still learning the complex scheme, he's picking things up quickly.

Bell said he has learned a lot of nuances from linebackers Andra Davis and D'Qwell Jackson this offseason. As for his role on defense, "I'm trying to get in where I fit in," Bell said.

League rules prohibit unsigned players from participating in training camp. Bell wants to be an integral part of the defense. He knows it's critical to sign and report to training camp on time.

"That's the most important thing," he said. "I would be really upset if I'm not signed and in camp. I have got to be there. I have to be in camp and need to be there in order for me to have success in this league. I'm letting my agent do his thing on the business side and I'll do my thing on the football side. All I want is to play football."

That's the kind of ambition, passion and mentality Browns' management and coaches want. Surely, fans can expect to see big things from the young stud when Bell toils on Sundays — and Mondays — this fall.