Scouting Future Saints: Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell
Next in our 2026 draft prep: A closer look at Louisville Cardinals wideout Chris Bell and why the New Orleans Saints could target him.
Quarterback Tyler Shough had a marvelous rookie year for the New Orleans Saints last season. Once inserted into the lineup, Shough transformed the Saints offense and looks very much like the team's quarterback of the future. Shough ended his collegiate career with the Louisville Cardinals, where one of his leading receivers in 2024 was wideout Chris Bell.
New Orleans now needs to surround their young quarterback with more weapons, especially at wide receiver. It just so happens that one of the top wideouts available in this year's draft is Chris Bell. Here's a look at the draft profile of Shough's former Louisville target.
Chris Bell bio Position: Wide receiver College: Louisville Cardinals Height: 6-feet, 2 inches Weight: 222 pounds As a freshman in 2022, Bell didn't see a lot of action, catching just 7 passes for 105 yards in four contests. His usage went up the next season with 29 receptions and 407 yards with 2 scores. Teamed with incoming transfer Shough in 2024, Bell had a breakout year with 43 catches, 737 yards, and 4 touchdowns to finish second on the team in all three receiving categories.
Bell continued his upward statistical trend in 2025. He had 72 receptions for 917 yards and 6 scores. Unfortunately, Bell suffered a torn ACL with two games remaining in the season.