Dolphins instant draft grades: Chris Bell pick in third round rocks

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins selected wide receiver Chris Bell of Louisville with the 94th overall pick, in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bell, 6-foot-2, 222 pounds, tore his ACL late last season. But Bell is fast and physical and is difficult to bring down.

The Dolphins needed to add targets for quarterback Malik Willis and they added two tall receivers in Round 3 with size. That's good news for a team with smaller, quick receivers like Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell and Tahj Washington.

At his best, Bell reminds of A.J. Brown, said ESPN's Booger McFarland.

Here is our instant grade on the Dolphins picking Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell:

Dolphins' draft grade for Louisville WR Chris Bell: B+

The Dolphins won't need to rush Bell onto the field, even though his rehabilitation is reportedly going well. Miami could afford to draft a player coming off of an injury and reap the potential upside.

Bell had 917 yards and six touchdowns before his injury last season. He's a different type of receiver than the Dolphins have and he should really complement the others well.