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Patriots pursue Chris Bell as a key draft target

Apr 4, 2026, 9:07 PM20
(Update: Apr 6, 2026, 6:51 PM)
National Football League franchise in Foxborough, Massachusetts

Patriots pursue Chris Bell as a key draft target

  • The New England Patriots are looking to enhance their wide receiver room by considering trades and draft options.
  • Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell is a prominent draft prospect due to his stellar college performance but faces challenges due to an ACL injury.
  • The Patriots may have opportunities to secure Bell in the upcoming draft, which could significantly strengthen their offensive lineup.
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In the United States, the New England Patriots are actively looking to enhance their wide receiver lineup during the offseason. Patriots insider Phil Perry from NBC Sports Boston has pointed out that the team has not dismissed trade rumors involving Philadelphia Eagles' star AJ Brown. This suggests that New England is seeking to secure high-caliber talent in the upcoming NFL Draft. One of the prospective players that the Patriots are considering is Chris Bell, a wide receiver from Louisville, who has showcased impressive stats in college with 151 receptions, 2,166 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Despite being projected to slip out of the first round due to an ACL injury, Bell's potential makes him a sought-after candidate. He has drawn comparisons to AJ Brown regarding his physical play style and ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his standout performance against Miami where he posted nine catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots hold the 36th and 95th overall picks on Day Two of the draft, providing them with an opportunity to select Bell, which could enhance their offensive capabilities considerably. Additionally, the Patriots have recently moved on from Stefon Diggs, replacing him with younger talent in the form of Romeo Doubs from the Green Bay Packers. Nonetheless, the organization remains interested in acquiring another established receiver, hinting at their continued pursuit of AJ Brown. Eagles' management has been resistant to trading Brown, suggesting that the Patriots might need to look elsewhere for immediate help in the wide receiver position. In this context, Deebo Samuel has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Although Samuel's performance has been questioned due to age and decreasing usage, his versatility may be appealing to New England's offense. Despite his potential, the market value suggests that the Patriots could acquire him at a more affordable rate due to a lack of competing interest from other teams. Overall, with a clear strategy focused on bolstering their roster, the Patriots are poised to make influential moves in the draft and possibly secure additional talent through trades or free agency.

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