Bills Rookie WR Skyler Bell Says Hockey Boosted His NFL Skills

When Skyler Bell stepped onto the Buffalo Bills’ grass for the first time on Friday, the rookie’s excitement was palpable and his gratitude evident.

He emerged from the field house, walked to an end‑zone pylon and prayed, saying, “I like living in the end zone, so hopefully I have a lot of touchdowns this year.”

Bell was the Bills’ fourth‑round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, a pick that came after the team’s ongoing struggle to find consistent production at the wide‑receiver position.

Previous additions such as Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore and Keon Coleman failed to stick, leaving a void that Buffalo hopes Bell can begin to fill.

Before arriving in Buffalo, Bell spent three seasons at the University of Wisconsin before transferring to the University of Connecticut for his final two collegiate years.

In his senior season at UConn, he posted 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading all FBS independents in each category.

Bell’s first day of rookie minicamp was not without mishaps, as he inadvertently entered head coach Joe Brady’s office still wearing his cleats.

Brady later pulled Bell aside after a drill to remind him not to overthink, emphasizing confidence and consistent effort.

Despite the early stumble, Bell described his first practice as “surreal,” noting that the nerves faded once the seven‑on‑seven drills began.

He felt “pretty much flying” as the drills progressed, indicating a quick adaptation to the professional environment.

Beyond football, Bell’s childhood was defined by a deep love for hockey, a sport he began playing at the age of five in the Bronx.

He skated as a forward for the New York City Cyclones and the Riverbank State Park youth program, a rare path for a Bronx native.

Bell explained that few of his peers played hockey, with most gravitating toward basketball and football, yet his dedication never wavered.

He became a fan of Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, while also supporting the Buffalo Sabres, saying “Go Sabres!”

The transition from ice to grass, Bell asserts, contributed significantly to his athletic development.

He highlighted balance, strength, stability and the ability to move quickly while ungrounded as transferable skills that aid his route running and ball security.

Bell also noted that the contact and balance required to “bounce off hits” on the football field mirror the physical demands of hockey.

These attributes, he believes, give him an edge in maintaining composure after collisions and staying upright under pressure.

While Bell plans to study the Bills’ playbook on Friday night, he also hopes to catch the second game of the NHL playoffs featuring the Montreal Canadiens.

He acknowledges the rookie contract’s typical clauses prohibiting high‑risk activities, yet he remains eager to stay connected to the sport that shaped him.

Bell’s competitive hockey days are behind him, but he still enjoys shooting pucks when time permits.

He joked, “I still got some goals in my stick,” underscoring his lingering passion for the game.

In addition to Bell, the Bills invited former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton for a two‑day tryout.

Burton, the 80th overall pick in the 2024 draft, recorded four receptions for 107 yards in 14 games during his rookie season.

Burton was waived by the Bengals in December after multiple reported violations of team rules, including tardiness and missing a walkthrough.

He also faced two domestic‑violence allegations in December 2024, though the involved woman declined to press charges.

Legal troubles continued into early 2025 when Burton was evicted from his home and sued for $10,000 in damages.

When asked about his past, Burton emphasized focusing on the future, stating, “Opportunity is opportunity… I’m just kind of moving forward.”

The Bills also evaluated two quarterbacks on a tryout basis: Ta’Quan Roberson, a University at Buffalo graduate transfer, and Brady Olson from Central Connecticut.

Roberson threw for 2,520 yards with 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in his final college season, completing 57.7 percent of his passes.

Olson, a two‑year starter at Central Connecticut, posted 3,132 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions, completing 59.2 percent of his attempts.

Draft analyst Dane Brugler ranked Roberson 50th and Olson 68th among the 99 quarterback prospects evaluated for the 2024 class.

Veteran fullback Jakob Johnson, despite eight years in the league and 78 games played, received an invitation to try out for Buffalo.

Johnson’s most recent NFL touchdown came in 2020 with the New England Patriots, a one‑yard rush from Cam Newton.

The Bills’ need at fullback intensified after losing Reggie Gilliam to the New England Patriots in free agency.

To address the position, Buffalo signed undrafted rookie Jackson Acker, a Wisconsin fullback/tight end, while still scouting for additional depth.

Bell’s background as a multi‑sport athlete mirrors a growing trend in the NFL where diverse athletic experiences enhance positional versatility.

His hockey‑derived balance and lower‑body strength are assets that align with modern route concepts requiring rapid cuts and acceleration.

Buffalo’s offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen, has emphasized the importance of route precision and separation in the Bills’ passing attack.

Bell’s skill set, honed on both ice and field, positions him to potentially thrive in schemes that value quick, decisive route execution.

Historically, the Bills have struggled to develop homegrown wide‑receiver talent, often relying on free‑agency acquisitions.

The addition of Bell offers a homegrown option that could provide long‑term stability at the position.

In the broader AFC East context, the Bills aim to maintain their division lead, and improved receiver depth could be a decisive factor.

Opponents such as the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins have shown increased defensive complexity, underscoring the need for versatile offensive weapons.

Bell’s rookie contract, yet to be signed, will likely include standard NFL language restricting participation in high‑risk activities.

This clause is common for first‑year players, aiming to protect the team’s investment while allowing the athlete to focus on football development.

Should Bell translate his collegiate production to the professional level, he could join a Bills receiving corps that includes Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis.

His presence would add depth and competition, potentially influencing target distribution and offensive creativity.

While Burton’s tryout reflects the Bills’ willingness to explore low‑risk, high‑reward options, his past disciplinary and legal issues present a considerable risk factor.

The organization’s decision to evaluate him suggests a thorough vetting process before any potential signing.

In sum, Skyler Bell’s unique athletic journey from Bronx hockey rinks to Buffalo’s football field exemplifies the multidimensional pathways athletes can take to the NFL.

His upcoming integration into the Bills’ roster will be closely monitored by fans eager for fresh offensive spark.

Season	Receptions	Receiving Yards
2023 (UConn)	101	1,278

Quarterback	Passing Yards	TD‑INT Ratio
Ta’Quan Roberson	2,520	17‑12
Brady Olson	3,132	25‑7