Is UConn WR Skyler Bell a Good Fit for the Chargers?

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. 86 overall pick in the third round and No. 123 overall pick in the fourth, UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell could emerge as an ideal Day 3 target for Los Angeles, depending on how the rest of the board falls.

The 23-year-old Bronx, New York native spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at Wisconsin after redshirting his freshman year. Bell recorded 30 receptions for 444 yards and five touchdowns in 2022 for the Badgers, followed by 38 receptions for 296 yards and one touchdown in 2023. He transferred to UConn in 2024, where he broke out with 50 receptions for 860 yards and five touchdowns in his first season with the Huskies.

This past season, Bell was named a consensus All-American and a first-team Associated Press All-American, while also being a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the nation’s top wide receiver. He posted career highs with 101 receptions for 1,278 yards (second in the FBS) and 13 touchdowns. He also earned an 81.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025, ranking 43rd among 679 qualifying wide receivers. His 85.2 receiving grade ranked 34th at the position.

Bell participated in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured six-foot, 192 pounds, with 31 1/8-inch arms and 10-inch hands. He ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, a 1.53-second 10-yard split, posted a 41-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot-one broad jump.

According to Next Gen Stats, Bell’s performance earned an overall score of 78, ranking 10th among wide receivers. His production score of 73 ranked 12th, while his estimated athleticism score of 85 ranked sixth at the position.

Bell is a dynamic receiving threat who can line up both inside and outside, bringing a blend of speed and explosiveness that stresses defenses at every level of the field. He has elite acceleration off the line, allowing him to create separation early in routes, along with above-average change-of-direction ability.

With the ball in his hands, Bell is capable of turning short completions into big gains thanks to his burst and open-field speed. He also shows strong body control, adjusting well to off-target throws and making difficult catches along the sideline.

Overall, Bell’s combination of vertical ability, quickness and playmaking upside gives him the tools to develop into a reliable offensive weapon at the next level and an intriguing fit for new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system.