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Aug 30, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Chris Bell (0) runs the ball against Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive back Rishad Hence (21) and linebacker Brody Wells (34) during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
The San Francisco 49ers had one of the more interesting first rounds in the entire 20226 NFL Draft, as they traded down multiple times to move out of the first round.
With the 49ers picking up some extra picks down the board, but not making any selections on night one, all of their needs are still on the board, including at wide receiver.
ESPN's Ben Solak is urging the 49ers to resolve that need in the second round with a "fun" draft pick of someone who has drawn A.J. Brown comparisons in Louisville WR Chris Bell.
49ers urged to draft WR with A.J. Brown comparison
"WR Chris Bell to the 49ers. Where it could happen: No. 58," Solak writes. "...Bell would be such a fun fit. If you squint, you see A.J. Brown: 6-foot-2, 222 pounds and absolutely ripped with a wicked first step and even more impressive long speed when the gates open."
The 49ers might not need WR help for the 2026 NFL season, with Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall all on the roster.
But, with Kirk's deal being for just one year, and Evans having some uncertainty beyond 2026, the 49ers could use another receiver as depth and insurance at worst.
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Last year for Louisville, Bell caught 72 passes for 917 yards and six touchdowns. He's an explosive receiver who would be a great long-term option for the 49ers offense.
While Bell becoming the next A.J. Brown might be a bit of a reach, he does have shades of the Philadelphia Eagles' All-Pro WR, and has plenty of potential as well.
Solak want's the 49ers to take Bell in Round 2 with their No. 58 pick. If he makes it there, it would be a home run selection. There is a risk he goes a bit earlier, but if Bell is on the board, he's the kind of player the 49ers should be ecstatic to select.
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