Oh man, that’s incredibly unfortunate news.

WR Chris Bell was going to be a 1st round pick in April. His draft projection is now in limbo until teams get more info on the injury at the Combine. https://t.co/NHUeuPmaPQ

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 11, 2025

It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders need an infusion of youth, speed and playmaking ability across the board in 2026. You could make the case that Washington’s two primary needs are edge rusher and wide receiver. Due to their terrible season, the Commanders currently sit at No. 6 in the 2026 NFL draft order, with the potential to rise in the coming weeks. Washington should be in a position to land one of the draft’s top prospects.

Much of the Commanders’ draft strategy will be impacted by what they do in free agency. Regardless, it’s a good bet that Washington looks for a pass rusher or a wide receiver with its first pick. One of the debates facing the Commanders is should they trade down if they land a top-five pick? They are without second and fourth-round picks in the upcoming draft due to the Laremy Tunsil trade.

Carnell Tate (Ohio State) and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) are considered the top receiver prospects in 2026. Both should land somewhere inside the top 15. Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell is another first-round prospect. Unfortunately, his first-round status could be in jeopardy. ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed on Wednesday that Bell suffered a torn ACL in Louisville’s November 22 game against SMU.

While Washington wouldn’t have been a potential pick for the Commanders inside the top five, he would’ve been an ideal candidate if there was a trade down. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Bell is a bigger, younger version of current Washington receiver Deebo Samuel. In addition to his size, power and ability to create yards after the catch, Bell has 4.4 speed. Bell also excels in contested-catch situations.

It’s an unfortunate injury for Bell. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll fall far. Washington guard Sam Cosmi tore his ACL in late January and was back in the lineup in October. So, while all injuries are different, Bell could be back for Week 1 of his rookie season.