Could Dillon Bell and Elijah Williams be the Minnesota Vikings’ next surprise impact players? On this episode of The Real Forno Show, Tyler Forness breaks down two under-the-radar roster players who could reshape the Vikings’ depth chart heading into 2026. From a UDFA rookie wideout with a remarkable backstory to a defensive lineman who came from nowhere to earn first-team reps, Forness makes the case that these guys are no afterthought — they could be difference-makers.
Forness praised Bell’s versatility
from his Georgia days and wildcat experience: “You can do gadgety type stuff with Dillon Bell… but I think you can develop into a really nice wide receiver.” He highlighted Bell’s red-zone physicality and body-shielding ability, comparing his profile to bigger-framed receivers like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua who improved their route running. The UDFA from a tough Houston background also wants to open a homeless shelter, adding off-field appeal.
On defense, Forness was bullish on sophomore Elijah Williams after reviewing film: “I was very impressed… I think he can be a week one starter.” He noted Williams’ strength against zone blocks, hand usage, and weight gain to around 305-310 pounds, while cautioning that Caleb Banks will eventually take over. Forness framed both as potential “diamonds in the rough” similar to past UDFA successes like Jalen Redmond.
Episode Breakdown:
- Dillon Bell, UDFA WR (Georgia): Forness calls Bell a physically imposing receiver who thrives on slants, glances, and hitches — and brings wildcat QB experience that opens the door for gadget usage. “Bell has a profile that the Vikings could easily utilize. Think of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua — stout, physically framed, who improved a lot in the route running department.” Bell’s red zone potential alongside Jauan Jennings could be a genuine unlock for a Kevin O’Connell offense that has historically struggled inside the 10. His story off the field — growing up near Houston’s Bissonnet Track and aspiring to open a homeless shelter — adds a remarkable human dimension.
- Elijah Williams, DL (Morgan State → Vikings UDFA): A 273-pound FCS product who earned rave reviews from Brian Flores, Williams is now reportedly entering training camp at 305–310 lbs. “I think Elijah Williams could easily win that week one starting job,” Forness says — his boldest take of the summer. Williams shows strong hand technique and zone-block resistance, and with first-team reps already in hand, the projection is real.
- Brendan Sorsby & the Supplemental Draft: Forness dissects the mechanics, gambling concerns, and roster implications of the Sorsby situation. His conclusion: “If you’re not willing to give up on McCarthy and trade him… I don’t think you should take Sorsby.” He’d place a fifth-round bid and walk away from anything more.
- Vikings WR Room & Tai Felton: “We’ve seen nothing from Tai Felton… that shows that he’s going to be a guy moving forward that we can trust to be an impact player.” The case for Bell to compete for WR4 — and possibly win it — is laid out clearly.
- Draft Retrospective: Forness reframes the Vikings’ late-round drafting: Levi Drake Rodriguez, Michael Jurgens, Jay Ward — more hits than the narrative suggests. “Context is necessary when it comes to evaluating draft picks.”
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Whether you’re tracking the quarterback battle, hunting for breakout candidates, or just want honest, film-backed Vikings analysis, The Real Forno Show delivers it every week. Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano cut through the noise with the kind of depth you won’t find on a hot-take reel. This is a must-listen for every serious Vikings fan heading into what could be a pivotal summer in Minnesota.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN.
So here’s the question for you:
What do you think — can Dillon Bell earn a roster spot and make an impact in 2026, or is this getting too far over our skis?
