2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Louisville Wide Receiver Chris Bell

When scouts submit their final grade for Chris Bell, they will find him to be a physical outside receiver who can fly. Bell’s 6’2 and 220 lbs., and started for the Cards as a true freshman. His breakout year came in 2024, when he amassed 43 receptions for over 700 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. But his speed made him a deep threat, logging an impressive 17.1 yards per catch. 

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, and Bell plays with great technique, using his footwork and breaks to gain the advantage against jumpy corners.

With the ball, Bell excels. He picks up yardage after contact, often requiring more than one tackler to bring him down. He beats press coverage consistently and uses his length to present himself to quarterbacks, making him a juicy target on every route. 

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. A nice performance at the NFL Combine and during direct interviews with teams should help him there. 

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. He will contribute right away in the pros, but will need to refine his game to play different positions at the next level.

Draft Nation expects Bell to be a day-two pick, coming off the board as part of the second level of receivers in next year’s draft. He can improve his draft stock with a monster final year and by performing well in offseason workouts.