When the Bills used a fourth-round pick on Skyler Bell in the 2026 NFL draft, they weren’t just adding another receiver to the room. They were betting on a player who could move around, line up in different spots, and create problems for defenses in more than one way.
That belief has shown up quickly in camp.
Through the first five practices at St. John Fisher, Bell has been one of Buffalo’s early standouts, and the rookie is already earning more trust from the coaching staff. Bills general manager Brandon Beane pointed to that fit back in April, saying, “He’s a guy who we think can play inside, play outside, has enough speed, and good with contested catches."
Bell says that kind of role is exactly what he built for in college.
"It comes with a lot of responsibility, and I just thank them for the opportunity. That’s what I built myself on in college was being able to play all three different spots," Bell told 7 Sports. "Move around, and make plays from different spots.
Head coach Joe Brady has seen the same thing on the field.
"When he’s had opportunities to make plays, he’s made them," added head coach Joe Brady. "And we just want to continue to challenge him and see what he can handle as we go.”
Bell’s production at UConn made him an obvious name to watch before the draft. He was a consensus 1st team All-American last year, but that didn’t stop 31 NFL teams from passing on him in April before Buffalo finally took the chance.
Bell hasn’t forgotten that.
"Yea I did take that a bit personally, and I want to show everyone that I am still the best receiver in this draft. And I think I’ve got the offense to prove that," adds Bell.
Now he gets to try to prove it with Josh Allen delivering the football, even if the rookie is still getting used to the pace.
“His arm motion is so fluid and so nonchalant. But when you’re on the other side of the ball, it’s coming with some velocity," Bell said.
In Other News...
Bills Rookie Safety Is Forcing His Way Into A Bigger Role
A rookie safety is starting to make his case at Bills training camp, and Jalon Kilgore has been one of the more noticeable newcomers on the field over the past few practices. The fifth-round pick has flashed with interceptions and pass breakups while earning more playing time, a sign that he is beginning to settle in and show why Buffalo wanted to keep giving him chances.
His opening has come in part because veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been sidelined by a calf strain, though the injury is not expected to be serious. For Kilgore, the extra snaps have mattered, especially with the rookie spending time alongside veteran teammates to get a better handle on the defense and adjust to the speed of the NFL game. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Allen And D.J. Moore Are Giving Bills Camp A New Buzz
Five practices into Bills camp, the new connection between Josh Allen and D.J. Moore is already giving the offense a little extra pop. In full pads, Moore hauled in a deep touchdown from Allen, the kind of play that turns an ordinary summer workout into a reminder of how dangerous Buffalo can look when the quarterback and a new target start clicking. The session had its share of other notable moments, too, with Mecole Hardman and Keon Coleman standing out in one-on-one work while the defense brought its own edge.
The tone of the day changed again when Kaleb Elarms-Orr helped spark a physical altercation, underscoring how competitive things have become as camp intensity rises. For Buffalo, that only adds to the intrigue around a roster still sorting through roles and building chemistry, especially on the offensive side where Allen and Moore are making their presence felt early. If that connection keeps developing, it could become one of the more important storylines to follow once the contact stops being just for camp. [Read more 🡒]