Georgia Bulldogs huge receiver Dillon Bell (86) seems on after the SEC Championship Recreation on Dec. 6, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The veteran go catcher processed the postgame scene following Georgia’s matchup with Alabama whereas persevering with to construct his general résumé earlier than the following part of his soccer profession. Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Pictures.
The summer time is firmly right here for the Minnesota Vikings, and yearly, we forecast gamers who could get away at coaching camp. It’s a practice, and you will discover final yr’s version right here.
The ask was easy for every author: Who’s your prediction for the Vikings’ summer time breakout participant?
Right here’s how they replied.
Vikings’ Younger Depth Items Have Actual Momentum earlier than Camp
Minnesota Vikings defensive again Jay Ward (20) traces up within the secondary throughout second-quarter motion on Oct. 6, 2024, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Ward tracked the New York Jets’ passing sport all through the worldwide matchup whereas working in protection on a impartial area for Minnesota’s evolving defensive backfield that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Pictures.
1. Jay Ward | S
Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
Not solely do the Vikings want him with out Harrison Smith, however he has appeared on the cusp for a bit now. That is the summer time he places the league on discover.
2. Levi Drake Rodriguez | DT
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Rodriguez performs with a fantastic motor and is violent in his actions (a fantastic praise for any individual within the trenches). I believe LDR begins in Week 1.
3. Demond Claiborne | RB
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
Whereas he’ll be the No.3 again behind Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones, he may nonetheless very effectively have a good quantity of alternatives to flash. Jones can also be nearly 32 years outdated and will see fewer carries this yr. He additionally missed 5 video games final yr. Can he keep wholesome this yr?
4. Brett Thorson | P
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Is it lame to foretell a punter as a summer time breakout participant? Completely. Do I care? Completely not.
Thorson was the perfect punter in school soccer final yr, and he’s in some way in a summer time coaching cmap battle in opposition to Johnny Hekker, who’s previous his prime. The brand new man will present that he has the juice for the punter’s job and make you overlook all about Ryan Wright.
The new take right here: Thorson ought to simply be the principle punters — the Hekker signing was pointless.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Tony Schultz
He’s an enormous nook with loads of potential no matter the place he was drafted. He additionally has a persona sufficiently big to fill U.S. Financial institution Stadium after which some. His fast quotes and affable persona have been proven instantly after he was drafted.
Stephen F. Austin defensive again Chuck Demmings goes by means of drills throughout the NFL Scouting Mix on Feb. 27, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Demmings labored in entrance of scouts whereas making an attempt to enhance his draft outlook and present motion expertise in opposition to different defensive again prospects throughout the Indianapolis showcase. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures.
I believe he’ll develop into a fan favourite earlier than too lengthy, particularly after he has some shining moments on the sphere. Minnesota could have misplaced Naz Reid, however we gained Charles Demmings. Get your flags prepared.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Brevan Bane
Not solely does Demmings get away this summer time and pressure Minnesota to provide him reps this coming season, however he additionally finally blooms into the Vikings’ franchise CB1.
t5. Charles Demmings | CB
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
The rookie has proven in school that he has a nostril for the ball, with 9 interceptions, and that his pace makes him a fantastic match for the 53-man roster, offering depth because the CB4 and including impression on particular groups. I’m excessive on Demmings and suppose he’ll flip heads at coaching camp.
t6. Domonique Orange | DT
Predictor: Wesley Johnson
Orange possible has the simplest pathway to early camp/season relevance. He’s going to be requested to eat blocks and plug up holes within the run sport. As long as he can study Brian Flores’s difficult scheme, he ought to present an instantaneous impression. He won’t flash statistically, however his impression will unlock others to garner tackles and shut down opposing run offenses.
t6. Domonique Orange | DT
Predictor: Josh Frey
Massive Citrus has a fantastic motor and is a participant who doesn’t take performs off. It wouldn’t be stunning to see that tenacity create some huge waves in camp this summer time.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings snagged the rookie out of Georgia in free company. After already getting some buzz in OTAs, he’ll proceed to emerge in the summertime and earn a task for his rookie season. Bell has the scale and the explosiveness to be Minnesota’s WR4 in 2026.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
Miami quarterback Carson Beck walks with Georgia huge receiver Dillon Bell throughout the NFL Scouting Mix on Feb. 28, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The previous school standouts moved by means of the occasion collectively whereas getting ready for interviews, testing, and the following step of their draft course of throughout mix week. Necessary Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Pictures.
The UDFA out of Georgia is already turning some heads throughout follow, and he has the skillset to be a enjoyable gadget participant early on in his profession. With no confirmed WR behind Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings, Bell could make the roster and have an necessary function early on.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Adam New
There’s not a lot room on the Vikings depth chart at WR, however one participant who may pressure his manner in is Dillon Bell. An enormous-bodied offensive weapon at 6-foot and 210 lbs, in the event you get the ball in his palms, he could make issues occur. I anticipate to see some explosive performs over the summer time that get folks speaking.
t7. Dillon Bell | WR
Predictor: Cole Smith
The UDFA from Georgia was catching passes from Kyler Murray in workforce drills throughout OTAs. He brings a special ability set from the star receivers on the prime of the depth chart, providing a novel path to not solely the 53-man roster but in addition the WR4 spot.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
