Top stars’ game revolves around speed and playmaking. As he puts it, “Whenever you put the ball in my hands, I’m going to make defenders miss.” This skill set should allow him to integrate well into the Vikings’ talented receiving corps.
Minnesota concluded the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting the former Maryland wide receiver with the 102nd overall pick, following a trade down from their original No. 97 spot. In the trade with Houston, the Vikings gained picks Nos. 102 and 142 in exchange for Nos. 97 and 187.
The trade ultimately capped off the first two days of the draft, with the Vikings securing him after selecting Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson at No. 24 in the first round. This move also added value for Saturday’s picks.
He took on a larger role in the offense in 2024 and has a proven track record on special teams, where he has experience both fielding punts and covering kicks. He’s also known for his toughness.
“He’s not someone who goes down easily,” said Vikings Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson. “He fights through tackles that would typically bring down most players his size. He doesn’t let plays die, and that mindset is evident in every aspect of his game, which is really encouraging.”
In a post-round video call with the media, Felton revealed he was enjoying a mini family reunion, surrounded by friends, coaches, trainers, former college and high school teammates, and, surprisingly, about 10 baby cousins he had never met before. His family traveled from Georgia and California to Virginia, hoping to witness what they expected to be a special night for Felton.
It turned out to be just that, though not without a bit of nervousness as the second round passed and Felton nearly went undrafted in the third. When he finally received “the call,” he took a moment to reflect on his future.
“It’s a blessing to have everyone who supported me here, and so many people showing me love, even in the house we’re in,” Felton said, smiling. “It’s a lot of people here. Honestly, I’m just truly blessed to go to an organization like Minnesota.”
His time with the Vikings will also feel like a reunion.
Felton played alongside Vikings 2024 undrafted free agent Jeshaun Jones at Maryland for several seasons and has respect for Jordan Addison, who is also from Maryland. Felton is excited to learn from “the best” in the league.
“I’ve been watching him since 2019 at LSU,” Felton said about Vikings star Justin Jefferson. “I started paying attention to him, and I think he’s the best receiver in the league. You can see it.”
Now, Felton will have the opportunity to learn directly from Jefferson.
The 6-foot-1, 183-pound wide receiver expressed his eagerness to study Jefferson’s daily habits, learn from his film study, and try to replicate Jefferson’s exceptional hand-eye coordination.
Felton certainly has the potential to do so.
During his four years at Maryland, Felton steadily improved each season. He started in 2021 with five catches for 51 yards over eight games and capped off his final year in 2024 with 96 receptions for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns. His 8.0 catches per game ranked third in the FBS.