Former NFL WR just gave Chris Bell high praise as Louisville's star draft stock rises

Chris Bell is a superstar.
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Louisville football is set to take on Boston College this evening in an ACC showdown. The Cardinals have a lot of eyes on them after their win over Miami last weekend, and with a path back to Charlotte in the conversations, Louisville must win out.

Entering the season, the Cards have many players who stand out on their roster, but one in particular was labeled a game-changer. The preseason All-ACC wide receiver Chris Bell was on many experts' radars, but now, through six games, he isn't just dominating—he's emerging as a first-round pick.

The ACC Huddle is on campus for its show this weekend, and a former Virginia Tech star and nine-year NFL vet gave Bell incredibly high praise.

Related: Louisville football star emerging as top candidate for prestigious national award

Eddie Royal just gave Chris Bell the high praise he deserves

Recently, On3 Sports released their rankings for the Fred Biletnikoff Award, and, by no surprise, Bell was ranked No. 2, only behind USC's Makai Lemon. Now, just hours before their showdown with the Eagles, Eddie Royal, an analyst on the ACC Huddle, is the most recent expert to put Bell in the best wide receiver conversation.

"All you have to do is get it to him on a drag route, and he will give you a touchdown. No matter if it's zone or man, he can make plays for you. He just plays with that attitude and intensity that you love to see from receivers," Royal stated. "The last three weeks have shown you that he is one of the best receivers in the country."

Royal is not wrong, and the numbers don't lie. Bell has been nothing but dominant all year long, especially in the last three weeks. Bell has 44 catches for 638 receiving yards and six touchdowns, but over the last three weeks, he has 31 receptions for 441 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

Royal also went on to say that if he can clean up some route running, he has the tools and skills to be a first-round draft pick. The Cardinals' elite receiver has speed, athleticism, physicality, and more. He has all the tools to be a first-round pick, and through six games, he has shown why some compare him to AJ Brown. He ranks No. 8 in the country in receiving yards, No. 13 in receiving touchdowns, and No. 15 in receptions.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver went viral last weekend for his ability to catch the ball and pick apart the defense with his legs. The week prior, he showed off his abilities with his nasty one-handed catch in the endzone while setting career highs with his 12 catches and 170 receiving yards in one game against Virginia.

Bell is an elite playmaker, and the whole nation is officially on the hype train.

Related: 3 Reasons why Louisville pulled off the upset and stunned the Miami Hurricanes

For all the latest news and updates on Louisville football's 2025 season and recruiting, stay tuned.

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