Chris Bell

NFL Draft Profile: Chris Bell

Position: Wide Receiver | School: Louisville | Class: Senior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 220 lbs | Archetype: Physical / Deep Threat

College Career Summary

Chris Bell is the definition of a "steady riser." Over four years at Louisville, his production increased every single season ($105 \rightarrow 407 \rightarrow 737 \rightarrow 917$ yards). In 2025, Bell fully blossomed into a First-Team All-ACC performer and Biletnikoff Award semifinalist. Known for a rare blend of 6'2", 220-lb size and 4.4-speed, he became the primary "big-play" engine for Jeff Brohm's offense.

His 2025 season was defined by a historic three-game stretch where he essentially played like the best receiver in the country, totaling 441 yards and 5 TDs against Pitt, Virginia, and Miami. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely when he suffered a torn ACL on November 22nd against SMU. Despite the injury, his tape remains that of a top-tier physical mismatch.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 72 | Receiving Yards: 917 | TDs: 6

• Avg Yardage: 12.7 YPC | Drops: Notable improvement, but still prone to concentration lapses.

• Career Totals: 151 Rec, 2,166 Yds, 12 TD

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs E. Kentucky	5 / 63 / 0	B	Solid opener; showed physical dominance on perimeter.
2	vs Jax State	4 / 83 / 1	A-	64-yard TD catch; showcased elite vertical speed.
3	vs Georgia Tech	4 / 51 / 0	B-	Physical blocking was high-level; limited targets.
5	@ Pitt	10 / 135 / 1	A+	Breakout. ACC Receiver of the Week; unguardable.
6	vs Virginia	12 / 170 / 2	A+	The Apex. Career highs in all cats; bully-ball WR.
7	@ Miami (FL)	9 / 136 / 2	A+	Three straight ACC POTW; showed R1 potential.
8	vs Boston Coll	4 / 49 / 0	B	Quiet but efficient; drew double teams all night.
10	@ Virginia Tech	8 / 56 / 0	B-	High volume, low depth; utilized for screens/hitches.
11	vs California	6 / 49 / 0	C+	Offense stalled; struggled to separate from tight man.
12	vs Clemson	5 / 79 / 0	B	Showed great effort against R1-caliber corners.
13	@ SMU	5 / 46 / 0	D	Injury. Game cut short by ACL tear; looked hampered early.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 92/100

• Leadership: Four-year program veteran; widely cited as the heart of the WR room.

• Mental Toughness: Handled early-career depth chart battles and adjusted to multiple QB changes.

• Competitor: A true "bruiser" who seeks out contact; plays like a linebacker with the ball.

• Team Player: Elite run-blocker; takes pride in clearing lanes for RB Isaac Brown.

• Star Power: High. When Bell is "on," he is a 150-yard threat against any defense.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 88/100

• Height/Weight: 6'2", 220 lbs. (Exceeds 6'0"/200lb targets; elite NFL frame).

• Stamina: Capable of maintaining high speed throughout the game.

• Durability/Injury History: Primary Concern. ACL tear in Nov 2025 creates a massive medical red flag for the pre-draft process.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 85/100

• Catching: Solid, but suffers from occasional concentration drops on easy hitches.

• Route Running: Average. Currently runs a limited tree (mostly drags, hitches, and go-routes).

• Body Control: High-level; uses his 220-lb frame to "box out" DBs like a power forward.

• Separation: Wins via strength and stacking defenders rather than lateral twitch.

• Release: Efficient; strong hands allow him to throw press-corners off their line.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 90/100

• Speed: 4.40 (Estimated pre-injury). Elite long speed for his weight.

• Agility: Lower. Not a "make-you-miss" twitchy athlete; more of a "run-through-you" player.

• Jumping: Excellent vertical; a natural winner in 50/50 contested-catch situations.

• Acceleration: Good; needs a few steps to build steam but is dangerous once at top speed.

• Break Tackle: Elite. One of the hardest receivers in the country to bring down 1-on-1.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Awareness: High. Understands how to shield the ball and find voids in zone coverage.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Protypical NFL size/speed profile; elite Run-After-Catch (RAC) ability; physical dominance in the red zone; high-level experience in multiple offensive systems.

• Weaknesses: ACL recovery will likely prevent him from testing at the Combine; inconsistent hands; limited route tree that needs refinement at the next level.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal X-Receiver or Big Slot in a system that favors physical receivers (e.g., Steelers, Seahawks, Ravens).

• NFL Comparison: Deebo Samuel / Anquan Boldin.

Scout's Final Word

"Chris Bell is the 'bully' of the 2026 class. His tape from the middle of the 2025 season is some of the most dominant physical WR play you will see. While the ACL tear likely costs him a spot in the First Round, he remains a 'blue-chip' talent for any team looking for a physical mismatch. If his medicals are 'clean' by April, he is a Day 2 steal. Projected: Round 2–3 (due to injury)."