College coaches point out a hidden gem that the Saints are already looking into ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
The New Orleans Saints have a polarizing WR prospect on their radar already, and his college coach is explaining exactly why that is.
The 2026 NFL Draft is just over a week away. With that, the rumors and reports only swirl even stronger. For the New Orleans Saints, wide receiver is a major need since the front office did not add notable talent there during free agency.
Chris Bell has already had a top 30 visit with the Saints, as they look to bolster the offensive talent around quarterback Tyler Shough.
Chris Bell’s draft stock may affect Saints draft plans
In four seasons at Louisville, Bell totaled 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 14.3 yards per reception. His mix of size, speed, and explosiveness is exciting for plenty of teams around the league.
Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm had plenty of praise for Bell when asked about the young wideout.
“[The injury is] going to hurt his draft stock a little, but I really like him, he’s a guy who can really shine at the next level,” coach Jeff Brohm said. “He’s got a big, physical body. He runs well with that. He went from the third-best receiver to the second-most productive, to the most productive. He didn’t shy away from the competition.” — ESPN
In ESPN’s piece that included some info on Bell, an opposing ACC coach said that the wideout was the best receiver in their league.
Tyler Shough has been pushing for Saints to draft his teammate
The Saints QB has made it no secret that Bell has been in consistent contact with him during the process. That’s no surprise, as the two became close at Louisville. According to Bell, Shough is trying to convince the Saints to draft Bell, and that would most likely have to come in the second or third round.
“Man it would be great, man. I’ve been talking to Tyler Shough since this process started,” Bell told Arye Pulli for Saints on SI. “He said he’s been telling the Saints about me, he hope they get me. He said they need somebody like me so it would be great to reunite with Tyler Shough.” — USA TODAY
Bell has a lot of fans in the scouting world, and he was a projected first-round selection before suffering a season-ending injury in 2025. While his rehabilitation process could
