Dolphins select Louisville WR Chris Bell in third round of 2026 NFL Draft
The Miami Dolphins picked Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
This was their final of three selections (No. 75, 87, 94) in the third round. Bell, 21, was also their second wide receiver pick after drafting Texas Tech’s Caleb Douglas at the top of the round, giving quarterback Malik Willis two new weapons.
One of the top receivers in the draft, Bell suffered a torn ACL during a late November game against SMU, causing him to fall down many draft boards. He had 72 catches for 917 yards receiving and six touchdowns prior to the injury. Bell could eventually challenge for a starting spot when healthy.
“Most would tell you if he wouldn’t have got injured, he’s probably not sitting there anywhere close to where we got him,” general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan said.
Added Sullivan: “The talent is very high. The upside is very high. And it’s a long-term investment, looking down thee road, we’ve got a really good one.”
At 6-foot-1-inch, 222-pounds, Bell has a strong build and excels after the catch thanks to his rare acceleration for a player of his size.
Bell started three of his four years at Louisville, however, it was until the 2024 season that he began to break out. That year, he finished with 43 catches for 737 yards and four touchdowns. The following season, Bell averaged 83.4 receiving yards per game, which ranked second in the ACC.
Dolphins fans who also support the Hurricanes might remember him from his nine-catch, 136-yard and two touchdown performance in the Cardinal’s 24-21 upset of UM. That matchup, however, was actually the final of three-consecutive games where the star wideout recorded at least nine catches for more than 100-yards and a touchdown.
This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 10:57 PM.
