Grading the pick: The Miami Dolphins draft WR Chris Bell at No. 94 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft

Age: 21
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: Pro Bowl Potential

Career Projection: 

“Chris Bell is going to be a steal for some lucky team. Most of the discourse surrounding Bell has had to do with his ACL tear instead of the skillset he brings to the table. Bell is a high-cut, powerful wide receiver who plays with great balance, strength, and speed. His smooth route-running and uncanny ability to force his way to the third level of defenses with the ball in his hands is phenomenal. Bell averaged over 17 yards per reception back in 2024 as one of the most explosive playmakers in the country. He should have no problem becoming a quarterback’s first or second favorite target early in his career.”

Travis May

A to Z Sports NFL

Grading the Miami Dolphins selection of WR Chris Bell

Yeahhhh buddy. The Miami Dolphins have spent much of Friday fearlessly targeting culture fits that check boxes for their criteria amid an ambitious roster rebuild. It hasn’t always lined up with the consensus rankings, although all of the selections offer logic and a clear vision for how the puzzle pieces fit together.

The Chris Bell selection? This is a mix of not only Miami’s ongoing targeting process in the draft but also serves as a major, major value against the board. Bell, if not for the injury, was projected to be a fringe top-50 pick in this year’s class and many projections still had Bell going in the second round.

Miami comes knocking at No. 94 overall and, when paired with TE Will Kacmarek and WR Caleb Douglas, gives the Dolphins a trio of large, physical skill players to assimilate to their ranks. Bell has rare explosiveness and acceleration — he did most of his damage after the catch. This has the potential to be a major, major steal at a position of need.

Grade: A+