The Vikings are Scratching a Lottery Ticket with Young Newcomer
In Dillon Bell, the Vikings are scratching a lottery ticket.
Bell is coming out of a Georgia program that has been a common pipeline for the Vikings in recent seasons (safety Lewis Cine, edge rusher Chaz Chambliss, defensive lineman Ty Ingram-Dawkins, tight end Ben Yurosek, and so on). The do-it-all weapon demanded a meaty payday to slap a horn onto his helmet, landing $272,500. At that cost, Bell is worth the time it takes to see if there’s an NFL player inside of him.
The Vikings are Scratching a Lottery Ticket with Dillon Bell
The 22-year-old receiver may be more accurately described as a weapon since he can get shuffled all over the place.
Check out what Lance Zierlein had to say in his scouting blurb: “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.”
Much to digest, so chew on the words for a few moments.
Boasting a nice build, Bell needs to be used in a particular manner to succeed. Certain players can go into any system and thrive, but that may not be the case from the versatile player. Afterwards, there’s the mention of jet sweeps and such, the sort of plays that can do well but often don’t. Bell could be someone who allows the Vikings to lean into these plays.
Toward the end, there’s a mention of helping on specials. Quite possibly, that’s his safest way to get onto the team. Can Bell complement (unseat?) Myles Price? Price does better on punt return than on kickoff, so maybe there’s a world where both can have a designated specialty.
Bell sounds a touch similar to Cordarrelle Patterson, if only in a general sense. He, too, was somebody who boasted good size who needed to get used on offense in a specific way. Plus, Patterson was a true weapon on special teams who inspired fear in other teams. Can Bell put together a career that mirrors the former Vikings 1st-Round selection?
Competing from within that Minnesota receiver room isn’t for the faint of heart.
The top trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings aren’t going anywhere. Each is an excellent player, with Jefferson being elite. Only injury or suspension are going to rob them of playing time.
Next up are the duo of Tai Felton alongside Myles Price. Each got added last year, with the former being a 3rd-Round selection and the latter being an undrafted pickup. Felton is a monster as a gunner; Price is an explosive returner. Next up are Jeshaun Jones, Dontae Fleming, and various other depth receivers.
Dillon Bell is going to look to steal away either the WR4 or WR5 job. Or, quite possibly, the idea is to make a case for a WR6 job since he’s too good to be allowed to leave.
Mr. Bell offers an impressive build at 6’0″ and 210 pounds. Last year while playing for Georgia, Bell caught the ball, ran the ball, and even tossed the ball a couple of times.
