The Buffalo Bills added another weapon for Josh Allen in the fourth round.
Buffalo selected UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell with the No. 125 overall pick, giving the offense a productive pass catcher who can line inside or outside.
Bell has a massive 2025 season, earning consensus All-America honors and setting UConn single-season records with 101 receptions and 13 touchdown catches. He racked up 1,278 receiving yards and led the FBS with seven 100-yard receiving games while being named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.
Bell described his game as multifaceted.
“I’m dynamic, explosive, versatile,” Bell said. “I can do a lot of different things, inside, outside, deep ball, contested catches, intermediate game.”
Bell also has a notable connection in Buffalo. He began his college career at Wisconsin, where Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonard served as defensive coordinator and then interim head coach. Bell said Leonhard helped him develop when he was a redshirt freshman on the scout team.
“I can’t wait to see him,” Bell smiled. “I’m probably going to give him the craziest hug ever. That’s my guy.”
Here is how draft experts graded the pick:
USA TODAY
Brandon Beane isn’t done with his mea culpa at wide receiver. Bell showed plenty of promise as Biletnikoff Award finalist, though he’s likely in for a rude awakening as he faces a significantly higher level of competition. He can still make his mark, however, as someone who can free himself up from coverage with his quick breaks.
Grade: B
CBS Sports
In my fourth round mock draft, I had the Bills taking Bell at No. 126 overall. He is depth, but also a missing piece to the collection assembled. (Josh Edwards)
Grade: B
Walter Football
Another receiver had to be added to turn a weakness into a potential strength. Skyler Bell is a speedy receiver, but is weak and needs to bulk up for the NFL. I had him going in the third round, so there’s some value with this choice.
Grade: A-
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills draft grades: All-American wide receiver can’t wait to hug Jim Leonhard
Reporting by Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
