The Pittsburgh Steelers have continued to explore their 2026 NFL Draft options with the incoming wide receiver class this week. One of their potential choices is UConn wide receiver Skyler Bell.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported the Steelers hosted Bell for a pre-draft visit Wednesday. DeFabo also posted on social media the Steelers held visits with Miami safety Jakobe Thomas and BYU linebacker Jack Kelly.
Bell ran the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in 4.4 seconds. He also showcased his acceleration by registering a 1.53 10-yard split at the combine.
That speed could be a strong asset in the Steelers new offense under Mike McCarthy.
“Bell is an inside/outside target with adequate size and field-stretching speed,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He has the tools to beat press quickly and the acceleration/cut quickness to open clean windows.
“Bell’s speed and upside should make him a productive starter.”
Bell began his college career at Wisconsin. After transferring to UConn, he became an immediate star with his speed, posting 17.2 yards per catch in 2024.
In 2025, Bell developed more into a possession-threat. He posted 101 receptions with 1,278 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged 12.7 yards per reception.
On Tuesday, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Brian Batko reported the Steelers hosted Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston.
Steelers Host UConn WR Skyer Bell: Report
Bell has impressive speed, but he isn’t a consensus top wideout in the 2026 draft class. The UConn product is a receiver for the Steelers and other teams to target likely in the middle rounds.
Bell didn’t earn a spot on NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s top 50 big board. Furthermore, Bell wasn’t on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s top 12 receivers list in the 2026 draft.
Zierlein compared Bell to former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup. In six NFL campaigns, Gallup posted one 1,000-yard campaign and another season with 800-plus yards.
The Steelers have hosted five wide receivers for pre-draft visits, including Bell. If the Steelers elect to target a wideout they hosted for a visit early in the draft, Boston is the most likely candidate.
Kiper rated Boston at No. 7 on his 2026 receivers list. Jeremiah ranked the Washington product at No. 27 overall.
The Steelers have also held visits with receivers Jeff Caldwell, Kendrick Law, and Germie Bernard.
Steelers Also Hosted Jakobe Thomas, Jack Kelly: Report
Along with Bell on Wednesday, the Steelers held visits with two other defensive prospects.
Thomas and Kelly each will probably be Day 3 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“A productive, fifth-year safety prospect, Thomas is wired to play forward and race into the action wherever it is present,” wrote Zierlein. “He overflows pursuit and has too many missed or broken tackles on his stat sheet, but his impact against the run is a net positive.
“Thomas has the potential to develop into a starter as a likely middle-round pick.”
The Steelers have four potential starting safeties on their offseason roster. Thomas could play sparingly as a rookie and learn from veterans such as Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott.
Pittsburgh also has a full depth chart at linebacker. But Kelly would be a high-character addition.
Two-time team captain with four productive seasons between Weber State and BYU,” wrote Zierlein. Kelly is a burly linebacker with adequate play speed and desired aggression.
“Kelly might need to star on special teams to find a role as an even-front linebacker with third-down value.”
With their three pre-draft visits Wednesday, the Steelers have hosted 23 total visitors, three of which were classified as local visits. The NFL permits 30 non-local visitors.
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