The Minnesota Vikings completed their minicamp this week, and it was an opportunity to lay the foundation for the 2026 season. While veterans got their work in, the camp was an important moment for incoming rookies to stand out, especially in the case of UDFA WR Dillon Bell.
Bell started his hype train earlier in the offseason program, with The Athletic’s Alec Lewis noting that he needed to work on his route running. That message must have been received as Bell continued to move forward during this week’s minicamp, with Lewis revealing that he “stepped in with the starters” at times during the three practices.
“Multiple rookies stood out in these practices. Receiver Dillon Bell, a premium undrafted free-agent signing, caught every pass thrown to him and ran routes with smoothness,” Lewis wrote. “The Vikings asked him to step in with some of the starters, which is a good sign.”
Minicamp standouts should be taken with a grain of salt, but the fact that the coaching staff trusted him to work with the first team at times should be a positive. It also could be the start of a breakout that could take off during camp and help the Georgia product make the 53-man roster.
Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Dillon Bell is carrying plenty of momentum into training camp
The Vikings have one of the best receiver trios in the league with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. But their options behind them are not ideal. 2025 third-round pick Tai Felton was largely a ghost during his rookie season, and fellow rookie Myles Price was strictly a special teams player with his biggest impact on punt and kickoff returns.
While signing Jennings in free agency was a key move, the Vikings did not select a receiver in this year’s draft and did not add another receiver in free agency. While that could change under new general manager Nolan Teasley’s assessment, it creates an opportunity for Bell to crack the roster and showcase some of his potential.
Bell’s numbers at Georgia weren’t great, catching 119 passes for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns over his four seasons. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler also complimented his 6-foot, 209-pound frame, but called him “a positionless player” that can be “a catch-and-go” weapon.
If Bell is continuing to refine his route running, it could be more progress than Felton made in his rookie season. Assuming Price is still a returner, it could give Bell a significant chance to crack the roster.
Of course, Bell will have to continue that momentum into training camp, but this week’s developments put him on a good start to be a breakout player this summer.
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