The Baltimore Ravens should be searching for wide receiver help in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s not a guarantee that they draft one within their first three or four picks, but most believe they’ll address that spot relatively early.
It doesn’t sound like the Ravens will be netting one of the big three wideouts of Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), and Makai Lemon (USC). And with their first-round pick, most are predicting an offensive lineman, specifically Vega Ioane (Penn State), who some have dubbed inevitable at No. 14. This would likely mean Baltimore goes after a wide receiver on Day 2.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently mocked that outcome, giving the Ravens Skyler Bell (UConn) in the third round. The issue? Bell is a bit of a polarizing prospect. FanSided’s Nick Villano dubbed him one of 10 draft picks who could get GMs fired. Villano wrote:
“Bell has a lot of qualities to like in a receiver, but he might be missing those top-end talents. That’s how he ended up at UConn. His routes could use work, and he wasn’t able to put his skills to the test against top competition. Bell feels like he’s going to make a team regret the moment they started their relationship.”
That’s a fair warning to all GMs, including Eric DeCosta.
Baltimore Ravens may want to avoid drafting polarizing Day 2 WR prospect
Bell isn’t necessarily a bad player. There’s a reason he’s gotten a good chunk of attention ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. His stat line of 101 receptions, 1,278 yards, and 13 touchdowns last year is truly a marvel to look at. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that those numbers came at UConn, a low-level Independent school. There are also some valid concerns about his game.
As Villano noted above, Bell’s routes are a bit of a work in progress. Sure, he has the athletic traits to feast in that area, but his tempo throughout is a bit lackluster. The even bigger issue? His drops.
Among the top wide receiver prospects in this year’s class, Bell comfortably leads the group. He has a jaw-dropping 24 drops. That’s five more than the second-place KC Concepcion (Texas A&M).
Career dropped passes by the top 2026 WR prospects pic.twitter.com/Vqm7eIk8h8
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 24, 2026
Bell has some focus drops on tape, but in general, he’s a body catcher. When you let balls get to your chest consistently, that’s never a good sign. Of course, it can be fixed, but it’s a flaw you can’t really gloss over right now.
It’s fair to say a lot of Bell’s drops came due to poor quarterback play. He saw a lot of passes that forced him to adjust, and though he didn’t showcase exceptional ability to locate and adjust at the catch point, it certainly didn’t help Bell’s case. Still, his inconsistencies in making catches in contested areas and his struggles to adjust to the pass when the moment calls for it are another concern.
Bell may not be a realistic target for the Ravens anyway. Sure, he could be another talented piece to add to Lamar Jackson’s weapon arsenal, but adding another sub-6-foot wide receiver to the room doesn’t sound smart. They need a more physical presence, which isn’t Bell.
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