Story by
A Vikings Weapon Looks Like a True Spark Plug
- Story by
- A Vikings Weapon Looks Like a True Spark Plug
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
In Dillon Bell, the Vikings appear to have scooped up a spark plug.
Admittedly, the young Vikings weapon still has much to prove, going undrafted despite playing his college ball at Georgia. He secured reasonably promising money — $272,500, per Over the Cap — suggesting he inspires some promise ( albeit with no true job security ). There's quite a lot of optimism about where he can push his game.
Advertisement
At minicamp , Bell was evident. Sounds like a basic criteria, but it's important. The worst thing for an undrafted depth guy is to be boring, easily forgotten as the calendar hastens toward September. Much better, of course, to stand out from among one's peers.
Based purely on the early portion of the summer, Dillon Bell looks like somebody who is going to make the 53-man roster.
Vikings Weapon Dillon Bell Looks Like a Spark Plug
The upside has been evident for a little while.
Consider the analysis from the NFL's Lance Zierlein : "Big, strong, explosive receiver requiring specific usage on the next level. Bell is top-notch with the ball in his hands on reverses, jet-sweeps and quick hitches. He has the ability to create chunk runs after breaking tackles. Bell lacks ideal route savvy to uncover underneath and can be too easy for cornerbacks to read. He's a body-catcher with below-average hands, but he did have better catch tape in 2023 with Carson Beck at quarterback. Bell's game lacks well-rounded qualities and position-specific skill, but his traits, manufactured-touch talent and kick-return potential should give him a chance to make it as a WR5."
Jan 1, 2026; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) passes the ball defended by Mississippi Rebels safety Nick Cull (29) and linebacker TJ Dottery (6) in the third quarter during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Per the draft nerd, Bell should have gone in the 6th Round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, Bell was a priority for the Minnesota Vikings in the UDFA haul.
Advertisement
Part of the issue for Bell is that he didn't toss up huge production in his collegiate career. His talent and potential are undeniable. Seeing him produce much more statistically would have led to him getting chosen quite high in the draft. After all, that's what occurs for a receiver with great size and who played at Georgia.
Instead, he's in Minnesota looking to show he's capable of making it as a pro.
During the 2025 season, Dillon Bell turned 27 catches into 268 yards and 2 touchdowns. So, too, did he earn 17 carries for 109 yards and a pair of scores. Georgia tasked him with passing the ball a pair of times, but neither were completed.
Think intriguing talent without offering superhuman talent. More polish appears to be the prescription.
Georgia wide receiver Dillon Bell (86) celebrates after wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) scored a touchdown during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Ole Miss defeated Georgia 39-34. © Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Best case for Dillon Bell with the Vikings is a job as the WR4. Even that spot, though, appears somewhat unlikely since Tai Felton ( read more ) and Jeshaun Jones ( read more ) are around. If, however, he does get onto the team — maybe even as the WR4 — then he'll be offering a few abilities.
Advertisement
Start off on special teams. Bell, quite possibly, needs to solidify the kickoff returner position while functioning as the backup punt returner (overcoming Myles Price appears unlikely). He can then show some value as a tackler in the coverage units.
On offense, Kevin O'Connell will want to see a yards-after-the-catch merchant. Be somebody who can turn a bubble screen into an explosive gain. Every coach loves safe explosion, so Bell would be wise to show that he can break tackles (and ankles) as a depth guy who makes the most out of modest chances.
Dillon Bell, 22, stands at 6'0″ and 210 pounds.
