We need a WR. And recent history shows it helps to have some familiarity with your QB like the Bengals drafting Jamar Chase and Broncos drafting Troy Franklin.

Chris Bell is 6-2, 220 lbs and reportedly runs in the 4.4s. Comps have been AJ Brown in size and physicality and Debo Samuel in athleticism after the catch. Apparently he’s really good at the short possession routes and deep routes, but his route tree is limited at Louisville.

NFL Mock Database says he will go around pick 31. If he tests well at the combine, he might go late 20s.

He’s played since a freshman and has 146 receptions, 2120 yards, 14.5 YPC, with 12 TDs. And he shows up in big games with 2 TDs against both Virginia and Miami this year.

Bleacher Report’s grade and comp.

quote:
GRADE: 7.75 (Key Contributor — 2nd Round)
COMPARABLE GRADE: Alec Pierce (7.8 in 2022), Jordan Addison (7.9 in 2023), Insert Player (7.9 in 2021)
OVERALL RANK: 33rd
POSITION RANK: WR4
PRO COMPARISON: Xavier Legette

Mel Kiper has him ranked as the #4 WR and #18 prospect overall.

quote:
18. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220 | Prev. rank: 14

2025 stats over nine games: 62 catches, 792 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs

The production has steadily improved over the past three years, as Bell has gone from 29 catches in 2023 to 43 last season to 62 in 2025. He is a physically imposing pass catcher who excels in 50-50 situations. Bell wins across the middle and on the deep ball, and he can tack on yardage after the catch.

Draft Nation’s take:

quote:
Bell runs a 4.4 forty-yard dash but plays more like a bruiser than a speedster. He can run through smaller defenders or beat them downfield, taking the top off of defenses. He’s experienced and has played well against the best of the ACC competition.

Strengths
Bell will make noise at the next level. He will be used as a traditional outside X-receiver on day one, and with his blend of size and speed, he is a danger on every play to be a difference maker. He’s got soft hands and tracks the ball well…

With the ball, Bell excels. He picks up yardage after contact, often requiring more than one tackler to bring him down…

Weaknesses
Although experienced, Bell’s been asked to run a relatively limited route tree to date and will need to prove to NFL scouts that he can handle the complexities and layers of offense at the next level…

And though Bell has great straight-line speed, he lacks the “quicks” to play Z-receiver or in the slot. Some coaching and better technique may help him here, but he will have to show that in post-season games or at his pro day, as Louisville’s gameday script will feature him almost exclusively outside.

Conclusion
Bell is a fast, physical specimen who will terrorize defenses at the next level. He’s a bit of a one-trick pony currently, but he has the football IQ and experience to grow as he finishes his senior season in Louisville…

Youtube Link

The question is, is he worth trading up a few spots for to pair with Shough at a position we desperately need? While I originally wanted to get a guard with our 2nd pick, a guy like Bell might be worth moving up a few spot for to fill a MT13 role. Especially to pair with Olave who we will have to pay this offseason.