
Dwain McFarland breaks down the Rookie Super Model analysis of Skyler Bell out of UConn.

Skyler Bell, the incoming rookie WR out of UConn, checks in as the WR17 in the release of the 2026 Rookie Super Model.
I've profiled 25 of the top wide receivers in the class with individual Prospect Profiles from their Super Model data. For the full WR class, check out the 2026 WR Rookie Super Model.
If you're new to the model, here is an introductory breakdown of the Rookie Super Model, which rates players on a scale of 50 to 100 based on a composite score across Draft Capital, Production and Film. All of this data is integrated into our free NFL Draft Guide, full of big board rankings, mock drafts and more.
You can find a glossary of terms and stats used in this breakdown at the bottom of the prospect profile.

Bell was a three-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class out of Watertown, Connecticut. He was at Wisconsin for three seasons before transferring to UCONN. He reportedly turned down a $500K NIL offer from Michigan after his 2024 breakout to remain at UCONN.
What the Production Says
His breakout RYPTPA season came in Year 4 (2.16) and followed that up with 99 YPG and a 2.83 RYPTPA in Year 5. His adjusted career RYPTPA is low due to the late breakout.
He posted a best-season target share of 33% and had a 26% career TPRR, suggesting he could become a target-earner underneath at the next level.
Beyond the Production
Bell was a balanced WR prospect, but did much of his damage in the short area of the field with a 10.1 aDOT (47th percentile).
His 6.4 YAC was 1.4 yards over expected after adjusting for aDOT. His drop rate of 7% is the fourth-highest in the 2026 class.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com sees him as an eventual average starter with a prospect grade of 6.25. Despite his below-average aDOT, Zierlein sees him as a player with field-stretching speed that might be untapped.
Bell ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash (76th percentile) and notched a 41-inch vertical leap (77th percentile) at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Since 2018, 75 WRs have posted a Super Model rating between 65 and 75, with 17% delivering a top-36 finish by Year 3.
Bell's closest Super Model comps:
Bottom line: Bell's late breakout dampens his production rating. But he could develop into a solid target earner in the NFL, and if he has untapped field-stretching upside, he could turn into a quality fantasy option. The Rookie Super Model views Bell as a Day 3 pick, and he is an interesting WR5 prospect for fantasy football. Announcement: I like Bell more than the model.
