Louisville's Chris Bell brings a rare blend of physicality and explosiveness at the wideout position, a spot subject to further change for the Philadelphia Eagles, given the unsettled future of who he's also often compared to in scouting circles: embattled star A.J. Brown.
Checking in at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Bell is similar to Brown (6-foot-1, 226) not solely because of his measurements, but also for the ferocity with which he plays the position. Able to juke past them - or bulldoze through them - Bell presents an unforgiving challenge for defensive backs to deal with.
Pro Football Focus's Trevor Sikkema spoke on the strengths of the Louisville prospect, who also excelled in high school as a track star.
"He brings that track speed to the field with impressive explosiveness and top-end speed, especially for a 225-pound receiver. Primarily aligned on the outside, Bell has produced his best work against press and man coverage, where he can overwhelm defenders with a combination of size, strength and vertical speed. He shows quick, explosive footwork and a solid variety of releases, and his physicality also translates as a blocker, where he can overpower defensive backs."
Eagles could replace A.J. Brown with Chris Bell
With 72 catches and 917 yards, along with six touchdowns as a senior, an ACL tear suffered in his second-to-last regular season game halted a dominant final season for the Cardinals. It may take a bit of time to get the All-ACC first teamer ramped up to full speed at the next level, but the team that taps Bell this coming draft is landing a big-time talent. The Yazoo City, Mississippi native - another likeness to Brown, who hails from Starkville - has future standout X receiver traits in spades.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, the rumors surrounding Brown continue to swirl. As previously touched upon, Eagles icon Jason Kelce has maintained that players and coaches alike have nothing but love for Brown, but his days donning midnight green may be numbered.
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From both a physical and playmaking standpoint, Bell brings many of the same qualities out wide as #11. Some draft pundits have him entrenched in the second round range, while a few others see him headed for first-round acclaim when all is said and done. Either way, the Eagles could elect to usher in a new imposing X receiver this April, if Bell gets the call from General Manager Howie Roseman.