UConn alums Skyler Bell and Joe Fagnano have taken the next step in their careers.

They’ve done their work at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, next to be seen later this month at the UConn pro day.

The draft grades are available on NFL.com, and Bell ranked as an eventual NFL starter, Fagnano as a bet for the “bottom of the roster” or the practice squad. Bell charted as the No. 11 wide receiver and Fagnano as the No. 12 quarterback.

Bell, a native of the Bronx, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds with a 10-yard split of 1.53 seconds. His vertical jump was 41 inches, with a broad jump of 11 feet and 1 inch.

The top 40 time for a wide receiver was 4.26 by Brenen Thompson of Mississippi State.

Bell’s total score was 77.

ESPN, in its review of the combine, called Bell one of the “biggest risers” of the event. Here’s what ESPN’s Jordan Reid had to say:

“After Bell participated in only one practice at the Shrine Bowl, many were anticipating Bell's test numbers. At 6-foot, 192 pounds, he caught my eye throughout his workout. In running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and leaping 41 inches in the vertical, Bell showed that he belongs in the Day 2 [of the draft] picture. He followed with an impressive showing during on-field drills. His routes were crisp, and he constantly showed how strong his hands were. The most impressive part of Bell's workout came during the gauntlet, as he ran through it with speed and caught the ball cleanly.”

And this, from JP Acosta of CBS Sports:

“While many Day 2 grades among wide receivers belong to bigger X-receiver body types, Skyler Bell may have delivered the best overall workout of the group. His 11-foot-1 broad jump ranked third at the position, and his 41-inch vertical ranked fifth. He also caught the ball cleanly throughout drills.

“An easy mover who finished 2025 as a first-team AP All-American, Bell likely profiles best in the slot, where his route running and strength after the catch can shine. In my opinion, he locked himself into Day 2 of the draft.”

Fagnano, who started his career at Maine and transferred to UConn, spent seven years in college football between injuries and the extra COVID-19 season. At the combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.83 seconds with a 10-yard split of 1.67 seconds. His vertical jump was 35 inches, with a broad jump of 9 feet and 10 inches. He was officially measured at 6-3, 226 pounds.

The top 40 time for a quarterback belonged to Taylen Green of Arkansas at 4.37.

Fagnano’s total score was 70.

The reviews weren’t as positive for Fagnano, the quarterback who led UConn to a nine-win season in 2025 while throwing only one interception, best in the nation.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote this:

“Rare seventh-year senior with the size and production to warrant a deeper dive. Fagnano is a ball-distributing pocket passer with an average arm and inconsistent accuracy. He’s highly experienced, showing adequate command of his offense. He gets through his progressions with decent pace and can find his rhythm when working underneath. He’s not a chess master in terms of dissecting and attacking defenses but he has taken care of the football throughout his career. Fagnano is a little older and lacks above-average mobility, accuracy or arm talent to build around, so a practice squad might be his ceiling.”

But Denver Broncos on SI writer Erick Trickel was far from complimentary about what he saw from Fagnano at the combine.

“When Fagnano was up to throw for the receivers, you almost felt bad for the receivers. His accuracy was a scatter plot, and there was always at least one receiver who needed to redo the drill because Fagnano wasn’t accurate enough on every drill they ran.”

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

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