Skyler Bell: The Draft Sleeper Who Just Keeps Producing
As the NFL Draft inches closer, the spotlight is starting to shift toward the under-the-radar names that could end up making serious noise on Sundays. One of those names? Skyler Bell.
Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates recently dove deep into Bell’s draft stock, and while he may not be cracking the top-10 wide receiver rankings on Kiper’s big board, make no mistake - there's real belief in Bell’s potential at the next level.
From Madison to Storrs - and a Whole Lot of Growth in Between
Bell’s college journey reads like a blueprint for development. He started his career at Wisconsin, where as a redshirt freshman in 2022, he flashed early promise.
Going up against Big Ten defenses - including matchups with Ohio State and Iowa - Bell hauled in 30 passes for a 15-yard average and five touchdowns. Solid numbers for a young receiver finding his footing.
But the real breakout came after his transfer to UConn. In 2024, his first year with the Huskies, Bell took a noticeable leap - 50 catches, over 17 yards per reception. Then came 2025, and that’s where Bell truly separated himself from the pack.
A Historic Season at UConn
Bell didn’t just have a good season - he had a historic one. He reeled in 101 passes for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns, powering UConn to a 9-4 record under then-head coach Jim Mora. That production earned him First-Team All-American honors - the first in program history - and a spot as a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top pass catcher.
To put it in perspective: only two players in the country had 100 or more receptions, and only three topped 1,200 yards. Bell was one of them.
His 13 touchdowns? Second in the nation.
And he did it all while outperforming some of the biggest names in college football, including Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, widely viewed as the top receiver in the country.
What the Scouts Are Saying
Kiper and Yates both see Bell as a classic Day 3 gem - a player who may not have the Power Four pedigree of others in this class, but brings a proven track record of production, polish, and upside.
Kiper pointed to Bell’s maturity and physical tools - notably his large hands - as traits that will translate well to the NFL. He also emphasized how Bell became “the go-to guy” in UConn’s offense, consistently delivering as quarterback Joe Fagnano’s top target.
“Reliable, consistent, productive,” Kiper said. “Skyler Bell, another Day 3 guy we’ll be talking about on Saturday, April 25th, that will play in the NFL. He’s a guy who can be a nice wide receiver option - maybe that fourth or fifth guy - but he’ll contribute to an NFL offense early in his pro career.”
Yates added that Bell’s ability to rack up yards after the catch stands out - a key trait in today’s NFL, where quick-hitting plays and open-field elusiveness are more valuable than ever.
Why Bell Could Stick in the League
Let’s be clear: Bell isn’t just a stat-sheet filler. He’s a wideout who understands how to get open, how to earn trust from his quarterback, and how to make plays when it matters. His route running has sharpened, his catch radius is reliable, and he’s shown he can handle a heavy workload against quality competition.
Sure, he may not have the same 40-yard dash buzz or five-star recruiting profile as some of his peers. But what he does have is production, polish, and a chip on his shoulder. That’s a combination NFL coaches love - especially when looking for value in the later rounds.
Come April, Bell might not be the flashiest name called. But don’t be surprised if he’s one of the rookies making an impact by midseason.
He’s already shown he can rise to the occasion. Now, he’s just waiting for the opportunity to do it on the next level.