2026 NFL Draft Prospect Profile - WR Skyler Bell

Player Description

Name: Skyler Bell

School: University of Connecticut

Position: Wide Receiver

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'0

Weight: 185 lbs

Draft Projection: Mid Day 2 to Mid Day 3

Strengths:

• Strong, reliable hands

• Consummate playmaker

• High football acumen

• Excellent ball skills with advanced tracking ability

• Plays with more physicality than his size suggests

• Reliable target both over the middle and along the boundary

• Versatile alignment capability inside and outside

• Creative, nuanced route runner

• Possesses a diverse and well‑developed route tree

• Above‑average short‑area quickness

• Effectively uses speed to generate significant YAC

• Excellent acceleration after the catch

• Proficient at creating separation on intermediate and vertical routes

• Consistently exploits soft spots in zone coverage

Weaknesses:

Despite his willingness to play with physicality, his overall play strength remains a notable concern. His smaller frame makes him susceptible to losing one‑on‑one battles on the outside and being redirected or knocked off his route during the stem. At times, defensive backs with stronger play strength can dictate his path, disrupt timing, or compress his space before he reaches the break point. To consistently win against NFL‑caliber perimeter defenders, he will need to add functional strength and improve his ability to maintain balance and positioning through contact.

Bell’s limited length further compounds these issues, reducing his effective catch radius and making him less suited for frequent outside usage against bigger, longer cornerbacks. His shorter wingspan restricts his ability to win on throws outside his frame, particularly when contested. As a result, he often requires precise ball placement to secure catches in these situations, and he is less likely to come down with passes that demand late extension or high‑point ability.

While he can still be productive with timing‑based routes and schemed separation (crossing routes), his physical profile suggests he may be better optimized in roles that minimize reliance on boundary isolation throws.