Colts hosting All-ACC wide receiver on pre-draft visit

[ASFN Admin]

The Indianapolis Colts will be hosting Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell on an official pre-draft visit, according to Ian Rapoport.

During the pre-draft process, each NFL team can have up to 30 draft prospects take an official visit. These visits can be with first-round prospects all the way to UDFAs.

Let's take a closer look at what Bell could bring to the Colts.

Colts 2026 NFL draft prospect to watch: WR Chris Bell​

Rapoport adds that with Bell undergoing surgery in December for a torn ACL, "countless" teams have had him in to check his progress as he rehabs.

Prior to his injury, Bell was having a huge season, totaling 72 catches on 106 targets for 917 yards with six touchdowns. Bell was particularly good with the ball in his hands, averaging 5.2 yards after the catch. He ranked 22nd among wideouts in yards per route run -- an efficiency metric from PFF.

Most of his snaps came lined up outside. Over the last three seasons, Bell has had 144 receptions. He was a first-team All-ACC selection in 2025.

Chris Bell highlights​

Chris Bell's draft profile​

Here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote about Bell in his pre-draft scouting report:

"Possession receiver coming off of his most productive year and a late-season ACL tear. Bell’s scores frequently came as a move target across the hashes, where he was able to use impressive build-up speed to eliminate angles and outrun everyone in the secondary to the paint. He’s average at eluding press and separating from tight man underneath. Improving his catch focus and positioning when contested will be critical. Bell lacks dynamic qualities and his ACL tear could impact his draft slotting, but he's a big, physical target with room to improve. He has a chance to become an average WR2/3 in time."

What is the Colts' need at wide receiver?​

As of now, that WR3 role on the depth chart behind Pierce and Josh Downs is up for grabs. Westbrook-Ikhine and Ashton Dulin are the likely frontrunners competing for that playing time. But another addition at this position to boost competition and hopefully raise the floor of this unit should still be on Ballard's radar.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Colts hosting Louisville WR Chris Bell on visit

Continue reading...