The Bills' quest to solve their wide receiver need is never-ending, and it was a major focal point for the front office again this offseason. That is why Buffalo traded a second-round pick for D.J. Moore, a receiver who Joe Brady knows well from his days in Carolina.
But you would be foolish to believe that acquiring Moore will completely solve their issues in the passing game. Moore will surely be an upgrade over the likes of Brandin Cooks, Curtis Samuel, and Elijah Moore, but he’s just one part of the equation.
The Bills obviously feel good about D.J. Moore and Khalil Shakir, but they need one other wide receiver to break out for this passing game to reach another level. Time appears to be running out on Keon Coleman, and that could open up an opportunity for another dynamic young receiver.
Skyler Bell could be the answer to Buffalo’s wide receiver woes
In a recent article by ESPN, NFL Draft expert Jordan Reid named five underrated rookies who could end up contributing right away this season. That list included Skyler Bell, who the Bills selected at pick No. 125. Here is a snippet of what he had to say about the former UConn star:
“Surprisingly falling to Day 3, Bell couldn't have landed in a better situation. He'll be asked to be an early contributor in Joe Brady's offense, which also added wide receiver DJ Moore this offseason. Bell thrived in catch-and-run situations at UConn, and quarterback Josh Allen should be able to find him explosive plays in bunches.”
The expectation is that Brady will use a ton of short passing concepts that get the ball out of Josh Allen’s hands quickly and into the hands of the receivers. For that offense to work, you need players who are dynamic with the football in their hands. The good news is that Moore and Shakir excel in this area, and Dalton Kincaid can have an impact, as well.
But Bell is the “other” receiver who fits this mold well. Bell averaged 8.2 yards after the catch per reception last season, according to Pro Football Focus. That was among the best in the nation and near the top of all eligible receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bell doesn’t have elite size and doesn’t come from a major football program, but he does fit this offense well.
Don’t be surprised if Bell quickly rises up the depth chart for the Bills because he is a much better fit in this offense than Josh Palmer or Keon Coleman. He’ll have to show that he can be a useful blocker and can play multiple positions before getting onto the field, but it’s clear that he has talent and he’s going to a team that should know how to utilize his skill set.
Buffalo desperately needs another viable option in the passing game, and if Bell can live up to expectations, this offense could be one of the most difficult to stop in the league. That’s putting a ton of pressure on a fourth-round pick, but given how productive he’s been throughout his college career, he’s earned those expectations.
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