The Vikings added a wide receiver on the second night of the 2025 NFL Draft.
After trading with Houston to move back five spots and then gaining 45 spots, Minnesota selected Maryland WR with the 102nd overall pick.
He started all 12 games for the Terrapins last season, leading the Big Ten with 96 receptions and 1,124 receiving yards. His nine receiving touchdowns ranked fourth in the conference.
He played alongside fellow receiver Jeshaun Jones at Maryland, who was signed by Minnesota last spring as an undrafted free agent.
Here are five things to know about the Vikings’ new receiver:
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Impressive performance at the Combine…
He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he stood out with strong performances in various drills.
He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds, tying for the sixth-fastest time among receivers this year.
Felton also showcased his explosiveness with a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump, ranking fifth in his group, and a 39.5-inch vertical leap, tying for fourth. Despite these strong results, he felt he fell short of his goals. “I really wanted to run under 4.35 in the 40 and hit a 40-inch vertical, but I fell just short,” he said. “Still, I was satisfied with my performance.”
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… And at the Senior Bowl
Felton also stood out at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he was praised by many as “the most consistent player of the day” during Tuesday’s practices.
Trent Knoop of Sports Illustrated noted that Felton “demonstrated his playmaking ability and route-running skills,” and his strong performance likely boosted his position on draft boards.
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A fan of the ‘Z’
When interviewed by The Draft Network, Felton was asked about his favorite play to run — the one that got him excited when he heard it in the huddle.
His response: “I lit up anytime I heard the ‘Z’ option.”
Felton explained, “I was the ‘Z’ receiver running that option route. I had the freedom to decide how to run it. If the corner played inside leverage, I’d break outside. If it was outside leverage, I’d break inside. Against zone coverage, I’d sit it down, get the ball quickly, and make something happen after the catch.”
He added, “I love those option routes, man. I loved hearing that play call in the huddle. I wanted the ball in my hands. That was definitely my favorite route.”
Third Round Draft Pick: Tai Felton
Felton hails from Ashburn, Virginia, and attended Stone Bridge High School, where he had a standout sophomore season in 2018 with 50 catches for 1,050 yards and 13 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury during his senior year. Interestingly, Felton shares his alma mater with new Vikings defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who was signed by the team as a free agent.
Felton’s selection extends Maryland’s impressive streak of having a player drafted, marking eight consecutive years and 29 out of the past 31 drafts. He becomes the third wide receiver from Maryland to be drafted since 2015, following Stefon Diggs, who was picked by the Vikings in the fifth round, and DJ Moore, selected 24th overall by the Panthers in 2018.