Dolphins GM believes one draft pick was a long-term investment

After trading Jaylen Waddle, the Miami Dolphins double-dipped at receiver in the third round, and Chris Bell was the second wideout taken at pick No. 94.

Bell is looking to be that dynamic, after-the-catch receiver the team needs, as he's coming off his best season before tearing his ACL late in the season, which essentially dipped his draft stock.

Bell played college football at the University of Louisville from 2022-25 and developed into a productive outside receiver over four seasons. He finished his career with 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging about 14.3 yards per catch. As a freshman in 2022, he had a limited role with 7 receptions for 105 yards, but he steadily improved each year.

In 11 games this past year, he recorded 72 catches for 917 yards and six touchdowns, earning All-ACC honors and finishing as one of college football's best receivers.

New Dolphins General manager Jon-Eric Sullivan seems to believe in Bell's upside.

"I'll say we were really excited to add him," Sullivan said. "I think most would tell you if he wouldn't have gotten injured, he's probably not sitting there anywhere close to where we got him. It was one of those deals where it sounds like he's healing up great. I won't put a date on it. We would expect him to help us this year, but it's a long-term investment. We felt like the talent is very high. The upside is very high, and it's again, a long-term investment with kind of looking down the road. We think we got a really good one."

Many believed Bell could have still gone in the second round, and there were rumors of Bell going in the first round to the San Francisco 49ers. Based on this belief, the Dolphins might have the steal of the draft if Bell can come back 100% healthy.

As the Dolphins continue to rebuild, they're in no rush to bring Bell back, but his healing process seems to be going smoothly. In fact, the doctor who performed his surgery told teams that there's a very good chance that he'll be ready for the start of the season.

This is a player who could easily become a high-end WR2 in the league with WR1 potential. Sullivan believes in that theory and the long-term investment.

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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL Draft: Dolphins GM believes one pick was a long-term investment