Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
This year’s NFL Draft class provides numerous options for every archetype of wide receiver. Yards after catch (YAC) threats, contested catch winners, possession receivers, this class has it all.
That’s promising for the New Orleans Saints, who have been active in the wide receiver class throughout the pre-draft process.
New Orleans could specifically use a YAC receiver that can turn short, high-percentage passes into big gains. While there are many options throughout the later rounds of the draft, one of the top receivers to know is UConn’s Skyler Bell.
UConn WR Skyler Bell
Age: 23
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 192 pounds
Arm length: 31 ⅛ inches
Hand size: 10 inches
Combine Testing
40-yard dash: 4.40 seconds
Vertical: 41 inches
Broad jump: 11-foot-1
RAS: 9.65
UConn WR Skyler Bell is becoming one of my favorite players in the class. He leads the Huskies in receiving, but has also elevated for two of his best games on the year against P4 competition.
Dropped 10/125/1 in the win over Boston College pic.twitter.com/w13nAAiGL9
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) October 21, 2025
Bell could be a player that sneaks into the bottom of the first round by the time the draft arrives, but he’s otherwise expected to be a Day 2 selection. He plays with the physicality of a larger player, but also doesn’t lack in size in the first place.
The Bronx, NY native has the on-field attitude one would expect hailing from the area, providing a demeanor the Saints would covet at the position.
He could have had even better production with a more accurate quarterback at UConn, making the pairing of him and Saints quarterback Tyler Shough a promising one.
2025 Stats (FBS Rankings)
Receptions: 101 (No. 4)
Receiving yards: 1,278 (No. 2)
Touchdown catches: 13 (No. 3)
Skyler Bell Cut Ups https://t.co/2RrFkR7QlP pic.twitter.com/6QNv0cZjOY
— jeremiah🐦⬛ (@NewEraMiah) March 10, 2026
Pros
+ Incredible production in 2025, ranking top-five in major receiving categories.
+ Always a threat to create a breakaway play.
+ Has better-than-usual size for a YAC threat.
+ Plays with an aggressive mentality and dominating demeanor.
+ Can be effective in all three levels rather than being limited to gimmicky roles and manufactured touches.
+ 15 missed tackles forced in 2025.
Opportunities for Growth
– 24 career drops matches 24 career touchdown receptions. Did have his career low (sans 2021’s single game appearance) in 2025.
– Could become more impactful in contested situations.
– Will need to manage a leap in competition.
– Will face much more press man situations in the league.
The Bottom Line
The Saints’ best chance at selecting Bell may be at No. 42 overall in the second round. Following up a strong defensive selection to open up the selection process with a winning option.
Bell would bring attitude, YAC production and game-breaking ability to the New Orleans offense while also adding another young leader to the group.
The receiver’s loyalty to the UConn program will speak volumes in today’s NIL landscape and his inside/outside versatility are a strong fit for head coach Kellen Moore’s offense.
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