Tai Felton Is Keenan McCardell’s Latest Project With the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings selected Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton with the 102nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, their final pick of the third round. After selecting offensive lineman Donovan Jackson at No. 24, the Vikings traded down from pick 97 to 102, gaining additional draft capital that later helped them acquire quarterback Sam Howell.
Although wide receiver wasn’t seen as a pressing need—defensive line and cornerback seemed more urgent—there was room for another receiver. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison headline the group, but depth remains uncertain. Jalen Nailor showed promise as the WR3 but had issues with drops. The team added Rondale Moore, coming off a serious knee injury, and Tim Jones, primarily a special teamer. If Addison faces suspension for his DUI or is injured, Felton could see early action.
Felton brings special teams experience, having played extensively on Maryland’s punt and kickoff coverage units. He also has limited return duties under his belt. As a senior, Felton posted impressive stats: 1,124 receiving yards (15th nationally, third in the Big Ten), 96 receptions (tied for fourth nationally), and nine touchdowns. He was the Big Ten’s leading receiver at the end of the regular season. Maryland targeted him heavily, with 143 targets in 12 games.
At the NFL Combine, Felton impressed with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, a 39.5″ vertical, and a 10’10” broad jump. At 6’1” and 182 pounds, he’s tall but slim, with short arms (30”) and average agility (4.27-second short shuttle). Still, he earned a 9.20 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), indicating elite athletic traits.
Tape Analysis
Releases:
Felton displays strong footwork and forward momentum against press coverage, but he lacks effective hand usage and play strength. He struggles to shed physical defenders and can be pushed off his route—even against lower-level opponents like Villanova.
Route Running:
Felton’s athleticism gives him potential, and he can decelerate well and cut at speed. However, his route execution is inconsistent. He often raises his pads before making breaks, telegraphing his moves to defenders. He wastes steps, lacks deception, and rarely stacks defenders on vertical routes. Compared to polished route runners like Jordan Addison, Felton is behind in development.
Zone Awareness:
Felton generally understands how to settle into open areas and adjusts his positioning when plays break down. However, he sometimes misjudges spacing and struggles to avoid linebackers when navigating zone defenses.
Catching Technique:
He demonstrates solid fundamentals, extending his hands to catch and quickly transitioning to a runner. While he had eight drops in 2024, they appear to be focus-related, not due to flawed technique.
Contested Catches:
Felton’s lack of strength limits his effectiveness in contested situations. He won some battles but only caught 38.9% of contested targets—an area that will become even more challenging in the NFL.
After the Catch:
Felton is dangerous in space. He accelerates quickly, makes defenders miss, and can turn short gains into big plays. Still, he occasionally misreads blocking angles on screens and lacks the contact balance to break tackles consistently.
Blocking:
Though willing, Felton lacks both strength and technique as a blocker. He’s frequently overpowered and fails to sustain blocks. However, his effort level and attitude are encouraging signs for future growth.
Summary
Felton is an explosive athlete with real upside, but his game remains raw. His speed and quickness offer early value on deep routes and special teams, but his technical shortcomings limit his immediate impact as a full-time receiver. He struggles with physical coverage, contested catches, and blocking—key skills for any consistent NFL contributor.
Felton projects best as a vertical slot or Z receiver who’s kept off the line of scrimmage to avoid press coverage. At just 22 years old, he’s younger than most draft peers, giving the Vikings coaching staff time to develop his body and technique. Wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell and strength coach Joe Distor Jr. will play key roles in his development.
If Felton can refine his routes, get stronger, and master the mental side of the NFL game, he has the tools to become a capable starter in the future.
