Skyler Bell

NFL Draft Profile: Skyler Bell

Position: Wide Receiver | School: UConn (via Wisconsin) | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 185 lbs | Archetype: Route Runner / Slot

College Career Summary

Skyler Bell’s journey is a testament to the "transfer-up" philosophy in reverse. After three seasons at Wisconsin where he flashed Big Ten talent but struggled with inconsistent volume and QB play, Bell transferred to UConn to become "the guy." He did exactly that. After a strong 2024, his 2025 season was nothing short of historic.

Bell became the first Consensus All-American in UConn history and a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. He shattered school records with 101 receptions and 13 touchdowns, leading the nation in catches for much of the season. His tape in 2025 shows a player who mastered the art of "G5 dominance," consistently out-classing secondaries with professional-level route running and suddenness. He enters the NFL Draft as a high-floor prospect who projects as a ready-made slot or Z-receiver.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 101 | Receiving Yards: 1,278 | TDs: 13

• Average: 12.7 YPC | Drops: Significant improvement (dropped only 4 passes on 144 targets).

• Career Totals: 220 Rec, 2,893 Yds, 24 TD

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Central Conn	4 / 135 / 2	A	Two long scores; showed he was too fast for this level.
2	@ Syracuse	11 / 107 / 0	A-	Targeted 15 times; proved he could carry the offense.
3	@ Delaware	7 / 92 / 0	B+	Consistent chain-mover; drew multiple PI calls.
4	vs Ball State	14 / 113 / 1	A	High Volume. Program record for catches in a game.
5	@ Buffalo	6 / 54 / 1	B	Quiet but efficient; found the end zone in tight window.
6	vs FIU	6 / 63 / 2	A-	Red-zone masterclass; high-pointed a fade for TD #2.
8	@ Boston College	10 / 125 / 1	A+	The Apex. Dominated Power-4 DBs on the road.
9	@ Rice	8 / 158 / 1	A+	Career-high yardage; won vertically and on crossers.
10	vs UAB	8 / 149 / 3	A+	Gold Helmet Award winner; three different types of TDs.
11	vs Duke	11 / 87 / 2	A-	Tech vs. Tech; won his matchup against NFL-bound CBs.
12	vs Air Force	8 / 70 / 0	B-	TD streak snapped; defense bracketed him all day.
13	@ FAU	8 / 125 / 0	A-	Returned to 100-yard form; elite YAC on screens.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Leadership: The clear alpha of the UConn offense; teammates looked to him in every 3rd-down situation.

• Mental Toughness: Successfully transitioned from Wisconsin to UConn and handled the "star" target on his back.

• Competitor: Elite. Relishes the chance to prove he belongs against Power-4 competition.

• Team Player: Refused to opt out of the bowl game initially to play one last time with his teammates.

• Star Power: He was the primary reason UConn's offense functioned at a Top-25 level in 2025.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 82/100

• Height/Weight: 6'0", 185 lbs. (Meets height, but under 200lb target weight; lean build).

• Stamina: Exceptional; plays nearly every offensive snap and remains explosive late.

• Durability: Played 12+ games in three consecutive seasons.

• Injury History: Medically clean; no major surgeries or chronic soft tissue issues.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 96/100

• Catching: Elite. Vacuum hands; very comfortable catching in traffic or away from his body.

• Route Running: Strength. One of the most polished route runners in the class; uses "suddenness" to create space.

• Body Control: High; excellent sideline awareness and ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls.

• Separation: Creates "natural separation" through footwork rather than just raw speed.

• Release: Efficient; uses a variety of releases to beat press despite his slighter frame.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 88/100

• Speed: 4.45 (Estimated). Good "game speed"; dangerous when catching passes in stride.

• Agility: High Tier. Fluid hips and quick feet allow him to snap off routes instantly.

• Jumping: Solid; plays "bigger" than 6'0" in contested-catch situations.

• Acceleration: Elite. Gets to top speed quickly, making his "stack" on corners very effective.

• Break Tackle: Decent for his size, but won't run through many NFL linebackers.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 98/100

• Awareness: Elite understanding of defensive coverages; knows exactly when to sit in zones.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Elite production and experience (220 career catches); professional-level route technician; exceptional hands and concentration; high-level football IQ; Special Teams value as a returner.

• Weaknesses: Lacks the "ideal" weight for an outside NFL receiver; can be pushed off his line by more physical press corners; might be limited to a Slot/Z role.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal Slot Receiver in a Timing-Based / West Coast offense (e.g., Rams, Dolphins, 49ers).

• NFL Comparison: Tyler Lockett / Jakobi Meyers.

Scout's Final Word

"Skyler Bell is the most 'NFL-ready' receiver you haven't heard of. His 2025 tape at UConn is a clinic in route running and target dominance. While he doesn't have the 210-lb frame scouts crave, his ability to separate and catch everything in his zip code makes him a quarterback’s best friend. He is the ultimate 'Day 2' floor prospect who can start in the slot on Day 1. Projected: Round 3."