Can Skyler Bell be More Than a Slot Receiver for the Commanders?

Skyler Bell, WR
School: UConn| Conference: Independent
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: 23
Height / Weight: 5’11” / 187 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd-4th Round
Player Comparison: Jayden Reed

College Statistics

Receiving & Rushing Table

						Receiving					Rushing					Scrimmage
Season	Team	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Rec	Yds	Y/R	TD	Y/G	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	Y/G	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD	Awards
2021*	Wisconsin	Big Ten	FR	WR	1	1	15	15.0	0	15.0	0	0		0	0.0	1	15	15.0	0
2022*	Wisconsin	Big Ten	FR	WR	13	30	444	14.8	5	34.2	13	160	12.3	0	12.3	43	604	14.0	5
2023*	Wisconsin	Big Ten	SO	WR	12	38	296	7.8	1	24.7	0	0		0	0.0	38	296	7.8	1
2024*	Connecticut	Ind	JR	WR	13	50	860	17.2	5	66.2	0	4		0	0.3	50	864	17.3	5
2025*	Connecticut	Ind	SR	WR	13	101	1278	12.7	13	98.3	2	-2	-1.0	0	-0.2	103	1276	12.4	13	AA
Career					52	220	2893	13.2	24	55.6	15	162	10.8	0	3.1	235	3055	13.0	24
Connecticut (2 Yrs)					26	151	2138	14.2	18	82.2	2	2	1.0	0	0.1	153	2140	14.0	18
Wisconsin (3 Yrs)					26	69	755	10.9	6	29.0	13	160	12.3	0	6.2	82	915	11.2	6

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 1/27/2026.

Player Overview

Bronx-native Skyler Bell played wide receiver and kick returner for Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. Although he produced respectable numbers as a junior, his senior season was cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This led to Bell being a three-star recruit with offers from Rutgers, Virginia

Tech, Iowa, West Virginia, and where he ultimately decided to go, Wisconsin. After redshirting in 2021, Bell was second in receptions in 2022 and 2023 for the Badgers. Bell transferred closer to home and played at UConn where he became the Huskies’ feature receiver. He led the team in yards and touchdowns in both 2024 and 2025. After a final season where he was third in receptions, second in receiving yards, and tied for third in receiving touchdowns in college football, Bell became UConn’s first consensus All-American.

Strengths

• Sudden in and out of his breaks when running routes
• Recognizes coverages and adjusts routes accordingly
• Strong at the catch point, easily securing catches with his 10” hands
• Very good body control and ability to locate the ball in the air
• After the catch, shows good balance and speed

Weaknesses

• Less than prototypical size for an NFL WR
• May struggle against physical press-man coverage
• Despite running a variety of routes, most catches near LOS
• Prior to this season, had an issue with drops
• Older prospect that might be near his ceiling

Let’s See His Work

How He Fits on the Commanders

The Commanders’ wide receivers are at opposite ends of the NFL spectrum. Top receivers Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are both 30 with their best seasons likely behind them, but still productive players. Recent draft selections Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, along with midseason signee Treylon Burks, have shown flashes, but have some ways to go to be reliable starters. With Samuel, Burks, and Noah Brown – who is 30 like McLaurin and Samuel – set to be free agents, the team will need its young players to step up while finding additional help in free agency and the draft.

If the team decides to move on from Deebo Samuel, a player like Skyler Bell should be on their radar. His ability to create separation with route running and speed after the catch makes him an excellent option in the short and intermediate area of the field, a role where Samuel thrived. He might be limited to the slot if he struggles against press coverage, but he should find some success on the outside because of his route running and ability to track the ball. With only three picks in the first five rounds, free agency will go a long way in determining whether the Commanders can afford to draft a player like Bell. If they do, Bell could provide a reliable target to Jayden Daniels and round out a young, developing receiving corps.