As many as six wide receivers could go in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, but there’s another wideout who some scouts feel has Round 1 talent that will go on Day 2.
Most fans know about Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and USC’s Makai Lemon, but Louisville’s Chris Bell is less of a household name.
The 21-year-old WR had a breakout year in 2025, totaling 72 receptions, 917 yards, and six touchdowns en route to earning first-team All-ACC honors.
Bell finished his college career with 151 catches, 2,166 yards, and 12 touchdowns over four seasons, and his experience coupled with his steady four-year development is why Blake Brockermeyer of CBS Sports believes Bell could be the biggest Day 2 steal of the draft.
“Chris Bell is one of the best receiving prospects in the draft but suffered an ACL injury in November that will impact his stock,” Brockermeyer wrote. “There may be some patience required early in his rookie year, but the payoff could be significant.
“Bell has great size and is a highly skilled, explosive receiver with No. 1 potential. He creates space with his route stems and makes ridiculous catches look routine. He also shows the ability to separate, and his game speed stands out.”
There are several WR-needy teams who could be looking to add a pass-catcher in Round 2 including the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans.
Bell has the kind of well-rounded skillset that fits in well with any NFL scheme.
The 6-foot-2, 222-pound WR is a big-bodied boundary receiver, who has strong hands, outruns defensive backs on deep routes downfield, welcomes physicality, and excels with back-shoulder throws.
Of the wideouts projected to go on Day 2 — a group that includes Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, Alabama’s Germie Bernard, Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, and Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields — Bell has the potential to be among the best of the bunch.
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