It’s the morning of the 2026 NFL draft. Round 1 is mostly taking shape, but Day 2 is where things get interesting. That’s where teams either get lucky or … not so much. Boards don’t fall the way they’re supposed to, runs happen out of nowhere, and suddenly they’re picking between guys they didn’t think would even be there.
Why the 49ers Would Know Exactly What to Do With Skyler Bell
According to PFSN’s latest mock draft from Allison Koehler, this is how things will play out for San Francisco: a small move back with the New England Patriots (who will get pick No. 58), picking up a future fourth-round pick while taking UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell at No. 63.
And the 49ers picking Bell makes sense because he feels very Kyle Shanahan-coded. What San Francisco usually wants from its receivers is not just “get open, catch the ball.” It’s: catch it, then go do something with it.
In 2025, Bell had 835 yards after the catch. That is not just a nice stat; it’s basically how he plays. Slants, shallow crosses, and quick hitters. Once the ball’s in his hands, it does not feel like the play is over, as he’s fast through contact and sees space well.
His scouting report explains his kind of play in the perfect words:
“His 2025 campaign was something entirely different. It only took Bell nine games to reach the doorstep of 1,000 yards, and he ended the year with 101 catches, 1,278 yards, 13 touchdowns, and a near-elite PFSN WR Impact score of 85.
“The 6’0”, 185-pound pass-catcher has one of the most complete three-level threat frameworks in the 2026 class. He’s explosive and energized as a mover, with a full route tree, vertical splicing, steely ball tracking, and dynamic RAC chops. Focus drops were an issue in 2024, but he’s even cleaned that up — making his profile one of the most well-rounded in the upcoming group. He’ll be an older rookie, but he compensates by posing as an immediate starter with inside-outside versatility.”
He has accumulated 24 touchdowns over his career and ran a 4.40, which is good. But the 6.65 three-cone is probably the more telling number.
The short-area quickness shows up all over his tape. He can adjust mid-route, stay balanced through cuts, and not lose speed in the process.
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At UConn, he moved around a fair bit: outside, slot, and different alignments depending on the look. That’s kind of a requirement in San Francisco, as receivers are part of the structure rather than just running routes: motioning, adjusting, and creating mismatches before the snap has even occurred.
Bell already does some of that, so it might not be a huge leap.
