The Miami Dolphins made a bold move in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting three wide receivers, but it's the third-round pick that has General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan thinking long-term.

After trading star wideout Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins reloaded at the position, and Chris Bell—selected at No. 94 overall—stands out as a potential steal. Known for his explosive after-the-catch ability, Bell was on track for a much higher draft slot before tearing his ACL late last season. That injury, while unfortunate, opened the door for Miami to snag a player with first-round talent at a fraction of the cost.

Bell's college career at Louisville was a steady climb. Over four seasons (2022-2025), he hauled in 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 14.3 yards per catch. His breakout came in 2025, when he posted 72 catches for 917 yards and six scores in just 11 games, earning All-ACC honors and cementing himself as one of college football's most dynamic receivers.

"We were really excited to add him," Sullivan said. "If he hadn't gotten injured, he's probably not sitting anywhere close to where we got him. He's healing up great, and while I won't put a date on it, we expect him to help us this year. But this is a long-term investment. The talent and upside are very high, and we're looking down the road. We think we got a really good one."

Draft analysts had Bell pegged as a potential second-rounder, with some even linking him to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round. If he returns to full strength, the Dolphins may have landed the steal of the draft. As Miami continues its roster rebuild, patience is key—and Bell's recovery is reportedly on track. In fact, the surgeon who performed his ACL repair told teams there's a strong chance he'll be ready for the start of the season.

For Dolphins fans, Bell represents more than just a draft pick—he's a symbol of a smarter, long-term approach. And if he lives up to his potential, that third-round selection could be the one that defines this new era in Miami.