The chances of adding Chris Bell this offseason are decreasing, but the Saints shouldn't give up on it. He would be a dynamic addition to the offense.
Former Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell was once viewed as a potential option for the New Orleans Saints in round two, but that chance is quickly dwindling as positive updates surrounding his torn ACL are surfacing. This is outstanding news for Bell as his recovery is ahead of schedule, but it likely pushes him out of the Saints' range.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Bell, who tore his ACL in November, is progressing more quickly than anticipated and is already running and jumping. This means he will possibly be ready for parts of training camp. Barring any unforeseen medical hiccups among the team doctors, this will skyrocket Bell's draft stock.
The Saints have been heavily connected to Bell this offseason. Kellen Moore and company have already hosted him for a top-30 visit, plus Tyler Shough has been pounding the table for him. Shough and Bell were former teammates at Louisville and already have a built-in connection. The wide receiver reported that the two have been in communication this offseason while at the NFL Combine.
Additionally, Bell would be a fantastic fit in the Saints' offense. They need help at wide receiver, and his elite ability after the catch gives them an aspect they’ve been missing recently. Bell’s dangerous with the ball in his hands and thrives in the middle of the field. He’s a reliable option who can turn an average play into a game-changing moment.
This ability stems from his otherworldly athleticism. Bell couldn’t test this offseason for obvious reasons, but reportedly would’ve run in the low 4.3’s. This speed is evident on film as he has a different gear with the ball; look at the Miami game for evidence. He frequently breaks angles from defenders and is challenging to keep up with.
This alone is outstanding, but it becomes increasingly impressive with his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame factored in. Bell’s a wide receiver in a running back's body. This allows him to absorb contact better and help stay upright. Additionally, it helps him run through arm tackles as defenders simply aren’t strong enough.
Bell was seen as a first-round prospect before his torn ACL, but quickly fell to day two after the news was released. He stayed there for a while, but is starting to rise back up the rankings. He still isn’t a sure-fire selection on day one, but will likely be gone before pick 43. Because of this, the Saints will be forced to either trade down in the first round or move up in the second. They’ve shown an affinity for trading up, especially in round two (Kool-Aid McKinstry), so it’s still a possibility. However, it’s less likely than it was a few weeks ago.
Despite this, the Saints should take a swing at Bell if he’s available. His connection with the team and elite ability after the catch make him an enticing prospect who could elevate the offense.