Most NFL teams keep five wide receivers. However, some opt to keep six if they boast impressive depth at the position. The Minnesota Vikings might be in that spot entering the 2026 season.
While a handful of pass-catchers have bolstered their practice squad candidacy throughout training camp, the sixth WR spot would likely come down to Jeshaun Jones and undrafted rookie Dillon Bell. VikingsOnSI’s Adam Carlson thinks the latter made a strong case for himself in the team’s 13-3 loss against the Ravens.
“The Vikings needed to see more from Dillon Bell as a receiver, and that’s exactly what happened against the Ravens,” Carlson wrote. “He led the team with six catches and had 51 yards in the loss. This game will go a long way toward proving he should be in the conversation for the 53-man roster this season.”
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis also mentioned Bell, who finished the game with six catches for 51 yards, on his list of under-the-radar players who stood out in the contest.
Dillon Bell Would Be A Great Practice Squad Candidate.. If He Can Make It There
Bell might’ve had a disappointing receiving output against the Giants (he failed to haul in his only target), but he still had two attempts for 27 yards on the ground. Both of his attempts went for at least ten yards. That versatility was also on full display at the collegiate level, as he had 119 catches and 51 rushing attempts during his four years with the University of Georgia. His versatility is one of his top strengths. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein highlighted that fact when evaluating the receiver ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“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.” Zierlein wrote.
Still, Bell is a receiver. He needed to show some promise in the receiving game against Baltimore if he wanted to tread water. Luckily for him, he did just that, leading the squad in both catches (6) and targets (9).
Bell is still extremely raw. His route-running isn’t close to where it needs to be to be a regular contributor. However, the talent is there. The Vikings would definitely love to get him back on the practice squad for further development. The question that bears asking is whether he’d clear waivers after a promising performance against Baltimore. The intrigue will multiply if he stacks on it with another strong showing next week against Denver.
Minnesota’s LOADED WR Room Will Make Decision Difficult On Coaching Staff
Bell isn’t the only promising pass-catcher who is firmly on the roster bubble. Jeshaun Jones has also been making plays throughout training camp and in the team’s two preseason contests. He has been on the team’s practice squad since joining the league as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Jones is probably a safer bet to land back on the practice squad, as he’s already passed through waivers a few times and is four years older than Bell. However, some believe he’s also a much stronger candidate to survive roster cuts.
VikingsOnSI’s Adam Carlson believes Jones had the clear edge in the competition heading into Saturday afternoon’s contest. On Thursday, he wrote, “Jeshaun Jones is an emerging player to watch in the battle for a possible sixth wide receiver spot this season. With Jones making plays at practice, Bell will need to step up in a hurry to fend off anyone coming for that roster spot.”
Both players have their work cut out for them. And the fact that they’re both thriving (as of Saturday) with the limited opportunities they’ve received is a good problem to have for the Vikings. With that said, a good problem is still a problem. Minnesota’s front office has some tough decisions on the horizon.
Vikings Under-The-Radar WR Made 53-Man Roster Decision Much Harder Against Ravens