Why Chris Bell Could Be the Saints’ Ideal WR2 on Day 2 of the Draft
The New Orleans Saints head into the 2026 offseason with a clear need at wide receiver. Chris Olave is expected to lock down the WR1 spot long-term-an extension seems more like a matter of when than if-and Devaughn Vele has carved out a role as a dependable WR3.
But that WR2 slot? It’s wide open, and the Saints know they need to fill it with someone who can grow alongside second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.
Enter Chris Bell.
The Louisville wideout may not be a first-round lock anymore, but on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, he’s one of the most intriguing options available-and for good reason.
A Familiar Face for Shough
Let’s start with the connection. Bell and Shough already have a history together from their time at Louisville.
In 2024, when Shough was under center, Bell was one of his go-to targets. The chemistry was evident, and that familiarity could be a huge asset for a young quarterback trying to find his footing in the NFL.
Building around Shough means giving him weapons he trusts. Bell fits that bill. He’s not just a familiar face-he’s a dynamic playmaker who can complement Olave and Vele in ways the Saints’ offense desperately needs.
What Bell Brings to the Table
At around 6-foot-2, Bell has the frame to win on the outside, but it’s his speed that really jumps off the screen. He’s a legitimate threat to take it to the house any time he catches the ball in stride. Defenses that fail to wrap him up early often find themselves chasing shadows.
Bell isn’t just a burner, though. He tracks the ball well, adjusts mid-route, and has the body control to win in contested situations. Whether it’s a deep shot down the sideline or a quick slant across the middle, he brings a level of versatility that would give head coach Klint Kubiak (and Shough) a lot more to work with.
And here’s where the fit gets even more interesting: Bell offers a skill set that neither Olave nor Vele fully brings to the table. Olave is a technician-smooth, precise, and reliable.
Vele is solid in his role. But Bell brings that explosive, after-the-catch juice that can tilt a game in one play.
He’s the kind of WR2 who can stretch defenses vertically or turn a short gain into a big one.
The Injury Factor
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Bell tore his ACL in late November against SMU-a brutal blow that likely knocked him out of first-round contention. The injury will sideline him for at least six months, and even with a full recovery, there are two major concerns: how it affects his explosive play style, and the risk of reinjury.
Bell’s acceleration is a big part of what makes him special. If that burst doesn’t fully return, it changes the equation. And any team drafting him will have to weigh the long-term durability of a player whose game is built on suddenness and speed.
But here’s the thing: the Saints have shown a willingness to bet on talent overcoming adversity. They did it with Shough last year. If their medical staff gives Bell the green light, and the team believes his recovery is on track, he checks a lot of boxes for what they need at WR2.
A Calculated Risk Worth Taking?
Drafting Bell in the second round wouldn’t be without risk-but it could be a calculated one with a serious payoff. The Saints need to surround Shough with weapons who can grow with him, and Bell already has that built-in rapport. Add in his big-play potential, and you’ve got a prospect who could elevate this offense in a hurry-if he returns to form.
If the Saints are confident in his recovery, Chris Bell might just be the perfect Day 2 pick to round out a receiving corps that’s one piece away from being truly dangerous.