Bills Have Found Next Stefon Diggs in Rookie Receiver

He also racked up seven catches for 49 yards on a game-high 10 targets. He was doing everything on the field, finding holes downfield, juking out defenders on designed screen plays and making multiple contested catches against Pittsburgh’s defense.

His route running was crisp, and he had strong hands, two aspects the Bills desperately need from their receiver room to have a running mate with D.J. Moore this season. Buffalo still lacks a ton of depth from their pass catchers, with Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman not only battling injuries but also not stepping up as true weapons for MVP Josh Allen.

That leaves Bell the chance to carve out a major role as a rookie. When looking at why Bell would instantly have an impact, it’s easy to see how similar he is to the best wide receiver Allen’s thrown to in his career thus far, Stefon Diggs. 

Not only are the two similar in frame, Bell at 5’11” and Diggs at 6’0”, weighing 192 and 191 lbs, but they play the same. They’re also both reception monsters you can line up anywhere on the field. In his senior season at UConn, Bell racked up 101 receptions for 1278 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his prime, Diggs was doing the same. Back in 2020, he led the league in receptions and yards with 127 and 1535 with eight touchdowns. 

Bell stands out as unique compared to Diggs at the same time. The Bronx native possesses freak athleticism, running a 4.4 40-time to go along with a 41” vertical and 11’1” broad jump. That athleticism will only help him find his way as a weapon quicker in this offense.

The Bills’ biggest problem holding them back from that elusive first Super Bowl has been a receiving core. In their 33-30 loss in the Divisional Round against the Broncos, despite his turnovers, Allen clearly needed more receivers to depend on. Bell will most certainly be that player come January.