Chargers Host WR Chris Bell on Pre-Draft Visit

The Los Angeles Chargers have been doing their due diligence on the upcoming wide receiver class ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, looking to add another playmaker for quarterback Justin Herbert in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Holding the No. 55 overall pick in the second round and No. 86 pick in the third round, Louisville WR Chris Bell could emerge as an ideal Day 2 target for Los Angeles, depending on how the rest of the board falls.

The 21-year-old Yazoo City, Mississippi native spent all four years of his college career with Louisville, earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2025 after hauling in 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns. Bell recorded 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns during his time with the Cardinals.

This past season, Bell posted an 81.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 43rd among 679 qualifying wide receivers, while his 83.3 receiving grade ranked 44th. He totaled 372 yards after the catch, recorded just three drops on the season and averaged 9.4 yards per target.

Bell did not participate in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine as he continues to recover from a torn ACL that he had surgery on in December. He measures in at six-foot-one, 222 pounds, with 31 3/4-inch arms and 10-inch hands.

He’s a big-bodied, playmaking receiver who could fill a specific need for the Chargers, especially if they choose not to retain veteran WR Keenan Allen. Bell brings an NFL-ready frame and has the potential to give Justin Herbert a reliable contested-catch target over the middle. His game is built more on strength and build-up speed than sudden burst or quickness.

One of Bell’s more intriguing traits is his ability to build momentum on crossing routes and turn them into splash plays. Once he gets moving, he’s difficult to track down and shows enough long speed to stress a defense. His skill set would translate well in the Chargers’ offense, where he’s shown toughness at the catch point and after the catch, consistently fighting through contact for extra yardage.

There are areas for growth, particularly against press coverage and in creating early separation. His route running can lack consistency, something NFL teams will want to see improve at the next level.

Additionally, his recovery from an ACL injury could impact his early availability, though he appears to be progressing well and on schedule. If a team likes a player enough, they’ll take a shot on him—and Bell is a prospect worth taking that chance on.