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The NFL held formal job interviews for the 319 top pro-eligible prospects in the country from Feb. 27 to March 2, and UConn was well represented.
Over the weekend, former Husky wide receiver Skyler Bell and quarterback Joe Fagnano both showcased their respective talents. Wide receiver Noel Thomas was the last UConn skill position player to participate at the 2017 combine. He ended up not getting drafted.
After the interviews and tests, it appears that Bell has helped his draft stock significantly, while Fagnano stayed about the same. The NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh on April 25th.
Skyler Bell, Wide Receiver:
Bell posted remarkable numbers as a senior at UConn. In 12 games, the New York native ranked No. 4 with 101 receptions, No. 2 with 1,278 receiving yards, and No. 1 with 13 receiving touchdowns.
Combine Results:
40-Yard Dash: 4.4 Seconds (tied for the 12-best time)
10-Yard Split: 1.53 Seconds (tied for the 5th-best time)
Vertical Jump: 41”, (5th)
Broad Jump: 11’ 1”, (T-3rd)
Overall Performance (via NFL.com):
Productive Score: 73 (12th-best among 2026 receivers)
Athleticism Score: 83 (7th)
Total Score: 77 (11th)
Prospect Grade: 6.25, (Eventual NFL starter)
Prognosis:
After displaying his strong route-running and body control skills, scouts consider the 23-year-old one of the top risers in the NFL draft. Bell has already displayed how he can turn small catches into big plays while with Connecticut.
“At 6-foot, 192 pounds, he caught my eye throughout his workout,” said ESPN’s Jordan Reid. “In running a 4.4-second dash and leaping 41 inches in the vertical, Bell showed that he belongs in the Day 2 picture. His routes were crisp, and he constantly showed how strong his hands were.”
Currently, the star wideout is projected as a second-to-fourth round pick.
Joe Fagnano, Quarterback:
Fagnano had an incredible 2025 run, leading Connecticut to a 9-3 record. Within 12 starts, the gunslinger placed No. 17 with 3,448 passing yards, tied for No. 12 with 28 touchdowns, and No. 1 with one interception.
Combine Result:
40-Yard Dash: 4.83 Seconds (7th-best time among QBs)
10-Yard Split: 1.67 Seconds (7th)
Vertical Jump: 35” (4th)
Broad Jump: 9’ 10”, (4th)
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.35 Seconds (2nd)
Overall Performance:
Production Score: 65
Athleticism Score: 76
Total Score: 70
Prospect Grade: 5.66
Prognosis:
After performing at the combine, the Pennsylvania native demonstrated the pros and cons of his talent.
While throwing deep balls to wideouts, the pocket passer highlighted his inconsistent accuracy.
Most notably, the seventh-year senior overthrew former Georgia Bulldogs receiver Dillon Bell, forcing him to reach behind and haul in a one-handed catch.
Despite Fagnano’s “average arm,” it is expected that a team will give him a shot to prove himself. As of now, the former Husky is projected to go on Day 3 of the NFL draft, in the sixth or seventh round. It is worth noting that he could wind up an undrafted free agent.
Honorable Mention, Justin Joly, Tight End, North Carolina State:
Alongside Bell and Fagnano, former UConn tight end Joly, who transferred to NC State after the 2023 campaign, was participating in Indianapolis as well, grading out as a potential starter. As an undersized pass-catcher, the New York native excels at expanding the route tree and can challenge man coverage.
Joly has impressive body control and can snag tough catchers, and was a productive playmaker on the field. The 21-year-old is expected to be a fourth-round pick.