Skyler Bell 2026 NFL Draft scouting report examines one of the nation's leading receivers

Every year, a handful of players become the center of attention after the college season ends. Dominating the pre-draft circuit with all-star games, strong testing numbers, and enough production to catch the fantasy community's eye, they bounce between first-round hype and Day 3 skepticism.

Connecticut Huskies wide receiver Skyler Bell is checking all the boxes to become a fixture of 2026 NFL Draft discourse. He's productive but unheralded, coming from a smaller school. He's the best player on the bad team, a transfer from Wisconsin, and destined to make an appearance during a postseason bowl game.

Bell is leading the Huskies in just about everything. Across the entire Division I landscape, he ranks second in catches (66) and yards (845), and fourth in touchdowns (eight) through Week 9. But how real is that production, and how will his skill set translate to Sundays?

Bell's production is no accident

There are several factors contributing to Bell's supernova season. For one, he's far and away the best player on a 5-3 UConn roster. It's not a surprise that a former Big Ten contributor is making plays against lesser competition, but he's putting up big numbers against the best teams on the Huskies' schedule, too.

Bell has five 100-yard games in eight weeks and has scored in six contests. He's doing so by making an impact at every level of the field. At 5'11", 185 pounds, he isn't the biggest receiver, but his best flashes come in contested-catch situations, where he can play bigger than his frame suggests and haul in passes at an encouraging rate.

Bell can also earn targets closer to the line of scrimmage, where he's a good route runner and an easy mover. Bell will produce after the catch at the next level. There's a strong athletic profile here, but his premier physical trait is his burst. Bell gets to top speed quickly, making him a vertical threat and dangerous when catching passes in stride.

For a smaller receiver, Bell also beats press well, featuring efficient footwork and a knack for stacking corners on the boundary. It's enough of a skill that he shouldn't be siphoned into the slot for all of his snaps.

Furthermore, Bell's competitive toughness stands out. He's a good blocker, an excellent one for his size, and has shown quality technique. His mass limits his true effectiveness here, but if he's a Day 3 pick fighting for playing time, that dedication could earn him reps.

Bell has real limitations to monitor

At times, Bell has flashed the ability to impact the short, intermediate, and vertical parts of the field with his RAC and ability to play above the rim. However, there are down-to-down issues that limit his impact and could ultimately render him a role player at the next level.

Chief among them is his physicality during the route. Operating at around 185 pounds, Bell is simply going to be at a disadvantage against stronger cornerbacks. His routes can be impacted by upper-body contact more than one would like and he can be knocked off balance, losing momentum by leaving the ground, particularly on crossing routes over the middle of the field.

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Despite being weirdly productive in contested-catch situations, a nagging drop problem has followed him from Wisconsin to Connecticut. For the first time while seeing real playing time, he's posting a single-digit drop rate. That development coming as a redshirt senior isn't necessarily sticky.

Bell will have to fight through an inherently limited catch radius, and without the requisite body control to compensate, he isn't the most quarterback-friendly target in this class. Likewise, Bell isn't the strongest natural separator, trending a bit closer to average as a route runner.

Bell's NFL projection

Bell's film is impressive, despite his inconsistencies, and his production in his platform season has been incredible. His athleticism and competitive toughness should boost his stock, too. 

Where Bell has the most to gain is during the pre-draft circuit. Of course, testing well will add certainty to the speed he's showcased on tape. With his production, though, he's all but guaranteed to make an appearance in an exhibition bowl game. Proving that his production can carry over against NFL hopefuls will bear greatly on his stock, perhaps more than almost any other prospect in this class.

It's worth noting that transferring "down" from Wisconsin to UConn doesn't do him well, and a late breakout might dampen some of the optimism his production creates. Neither is ideal, and a suboptimal frame gives teams another reason to be skeptical. 

Ultimately, Bell looks the part of an encouraging early-to-mid Day 3 prospect with room for helium with a strong winter. He projects as a role-playing receiver with starter upside and a path to making a minor impact early in his NFL career.

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