Chris Bell: Patriots' Draft Target

0:00It's April 7. This is NFL News Today, driven by AI following the leak in real time. The New England Patriots' Y receiver spot looks shaky heading into next season. They cut Stefan Diggs and added Romeo Doves in free agency, but guys like Keishan Boot, Demario Douglas and Matt Collins are all in contract years. That leaves the team eyeing draft help, and Louisville Senior Chris Bell stands out as a prime target. With 6'2 and 222 pounds, this 22-year-old freak athlete put up career highs last year with 72 catches for, 917 yards and 6 touchdowns earning first team all ACC honors. Bell built his game steadily at Louisville, starting with minimal snaps as a freshman before exploding as a starter. He snagged all ACC receiver of the week three weeks in a row, including a 136-yard clinic against top ranked Miami. But laden the regular season, he tore his ACL, sidemining him from the NFL Combine

1:00and Pro Day, which clouds his draft stock. Fans and scouts love bells after the catch juice, combining power, speed and elusiveness to shred angles. His 60% contested catch rate shows he climbs the ladder like a boss, comparisons to AJ. Brown pop up for his side-speed combo, though some worry about his route tree not being fully polished, and that injury hitting his explosiveness. If for round two around pick 53 overall, Bell could slide due to the knee, making him a value for the past picking 31-2. 62. His wide alignment fits outside, but his build screen's power slot for drags and slants, even kick returns. Mike Rabel's crew digs that upside, especially after seeing digs bounce back from his own ACL. If Bell falls on day two, the Patriots should pounce. His ceiling could transform their passing game despite the rehab risk, giving Drake May a real weapon to build around.