...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
You wouldn't expect to hear UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley's name mentioned during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, but that's exactly what happened on Saturday.
The ESPN telecast of the fourth round brought a surprising mention of Hurley after the Buffalo Bills made one of their draft picks. The Bills selected UConn standout Skyler Bell in the fourth round with the 125th pick, bringing them a talented wide receiver for Josh Allen's receiving corps.
Bell is a 5-foot-11, 192-pound receiver who received a 6.3 prospect grade via NFL.com ahead of the draft, with the outlet indicating he'll eventually become a starter. His Scouting Combine results showcased his athleticism, including a 4.40 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical leap.
Read More on NFL
He was the first consensus All-American player in UConn history, finishing last season with 101 receptions, 1,278 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
More news: Mike McCarthy Addresses Steelers Call With Makai Lemon in NFL Draft
...
Soon after the mention of Bell coming from UConn, ESPN's Reece Davis informed viewers of the fun fact that Bell was instrumental in helping coach Hurley land a particular recruit from the transfer portal: Malachi Smith.
Both Bell and Smith are from the Bronx, New York, and both left UConn as seniors this past season. However, Smith transferred to UConn for his senior season after previously playing guard at Dayton.
According to The Hartford Courant, Smith’s dad, Elliot Rosado, coached Bell’s older brother, followed by Bell in basketball. Bell referred to Smith as "like a brother" to him and said he was glad he could help bring him to UConn.
"“I was always around Malachi since we were probably three or four (years old) and ever since then, his dad started coaching me and him and we just stayed in contact," Bell said.
"He used to go to high school right by my house so I used to always see him after school. But yeah, I’m glad he’s here. I’m glad I could help out a little bit and get him here, that’s my guy so hopefully Storrs gives him a nice welcome but I can’t wait until he gets up here," he said.
And Smith was instrumental in UConn's March Madness run, coming off the bench for Silas DeMary Jr. and replacing him in the starting lineup when he couldn't play due to injury. Smith drew praise for his play with the team shorthanded.
While he wasn't among players considered as an NBA Draft prospect, he recently joined a new team: Capitanes de Arecibo of Puerto Rico's Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). That gives Smith more time to develop his skills and possibly play elsewhere in the future.
Meanwhile, Bell is headed to a winning franchise that has made all sorts of upgrades this offseason, in their continued pursuit of a return to the Super Bowl. With Josh Allen still the quarterback, they've promoted Joe Brady from offensive coordinator to head coach and traded to get wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears.
Along with that, they drafted Clemson linebacker T.J. Parker, Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun, and Boston College offensive tackle Jude Bowry. They'll have several more picks before the seven-round event comes to its conclusion by Saturday evening.
More news: Browns Add Another WR for Shedeur Sanders in NFL Draft Round 2
For more about the Buffalo Bills and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines