Vikings Steal a Do-It-All Player
The Minnesota Vikings have had great success with undrafted rookies in their franchise history, and in recent years. Valuable depth players have been found that way, but also some true contributors, such as Ivan Pace.
This year’s draft delivered nine rookies, more than in recent memory, making it harder for undrafted players to crack the rotation. Still, some of them might. Among them could be wideout Dillon Bell. The Georgia product is one of the most prominent members of the UDFA group.
He ranked 287th on the consensus board, meaning the consensus of draft analysts would’ve predicted him to go in the 8th round if that existed.
His collegiate numbers from Georgia are fascinating. He was foremost a receiver, but the program used him as a ball-carrier and even in some trick play capacity.
In his four seasons, he caught 119 passes for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding another 373 yards and five scores on the ground. Bell also completed one of three pass attempts for an 18-yard touchdown. He has six kick returns on his resume.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis wrote about the first-year player, “You can see what the Vikings were going for here. Bell is a big-bodied offensive weapon who doesn’t just look like a running back. The 6-foot, 210-pounder averaged 7.3 yards per carry as a runner at Georgia. The route running is the primary hurdle, but that’s precisely why the Vikings would make this type of bet. How Minnesota uses the spring and summer to find the right role for him will be telling. His frame and traits are enticing.”
NFL teams are looking for players who can move the ball one way or another and Bell can be useful in various ways. The Vikings have lost Jalen Nailor in free agency, leaving a hole in the receiving room. Adam Thielen is also gone. Last year’s pick, Tai Felton, might be ready to step up, but there hasn’t been another prominent pass-catcher added.
If Bell can give the Vikings some production as a diet version of dual-threat Deebo Samuel, he could make some noise this summer and claim a roster spot.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com, commented in his pre-draft analysis, “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.”
The versatility is certainly intriguing, but there are some things he needs to learn under WR coach Keenan McCardell’s guidance.
“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.”
That’s ultimately the bet the Vikings are making. Bell doesn’t have to become a polished, every-down receiver to justify a roster spot. If he can carve out a niche, whether as a gadget player, depth option, or special teams contributor, his versatility alone gives him a legitimate path.
Training camp will be the real test. The flashes are there, but consistency and refinement will determine whether he sticks. In a crowded room, standing out usually comes down to doing something others can’t. Bell might already check that box.
If he puts it together, the Vikings could once again turn an undrafted flyer into a meaningful piece of the offense.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.