The 49ers should heavily consider selecting Chris Bell in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell was viewed as a sure-fire target for the San Francisco 49ers, but a torn ACL in the Cardinals’ final game of the season plummeted his draft stock. Despite this, he should still be in consideration at pick 27. Bell would be an ideal fit in the 49ers offense and would be a perfect addition when he returns from injury.
Bell tore his ACL on November 22, 2025. A normal timeline for rehabbing this injury is approximately nine months. However, Bell told reporters that he’s on track to participate in some capacity in training camp. This is outstanding news as it appears he’s ahead of schedule. Obviously, team doctors will inspect him and come up with their own opinions, but things are trending up for the former Cardinal.
On the field, Bell is exceptional. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect’s calling card is his prowess after the catch. He’s a wide receiver in a running back’s body, and shows it. He’s difficult to bring down and a nonstop threat for big plays. He seeks contact, punishing defenders for attempting to tackle him. He falls forward and fights for every possible yard, constantly churning his legs until he’s on the ground.
From an athletic standpoint, Bell stands alone. He couldn’t run a 40-yard dash at the NFL combine because of his injury, but estimates he could run a 4.3. This level of speed is evident while watching him. He has an extra gear that he hits after the catch and torches every defender in pursuit, just look at the Miami game for a reference.
The biggest issue with Bell’s game is his route tree. Louisville didn’t ask him to run a wide variety of routes; rather focusing on giving him the ball in space. That’s Bell’s biggest concern, but it is by no means a liability. He’s shown flashes when asked to, but it’s not often enough. Teams will have to trust that he can develop in this aspect.
Bell summed up his thoughts well at the NFL Combine about his injury and how teams should view him.
"Don't let this injury fool you," Bell said. "I'm still that dog. I'm still that guy. I'm still that beast that you see on the field. Just give me time, and I'll be back right."
Because of the aforementioned qualities, he was seen as a consensus first-round prospect. However, he dropped into day two conversations after his torn ACL was revealed. Now, his stock is slowly rising back up as good news about his rehab is coming, and more people are watching his film. Because of this, it’s not irrational to believe he will be selected in the first round. Bell will be an option for the 49ers at pick 27.