After waiting a few hours on Friday night to make their next pick in the 2025 NFL draft, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decided the Vikings could wait a little bit longer.
Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
In a small trade shortly before they were set to be on the clock, the Vikings flipped No. 97 (third round) and No. 187 (sixth round) to the Houston Texans in exchange for No. 102 (third round) and No. 142 (fifth round). The move helped upgrade some draft positioning, even if it didn’t necessarily add more draft capital.
When the Vikings finally got their turn, they turned in their card quickly and selected Maryland receiver Tai Felton at No. 102. There’s a lot to like about the selection as Felton, 22, should be able to contribute for the Vikings as soon as he steps on the field.
“Everybody was really excited about him,” senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Grigson said. “There’s a lot that this player can do and he has the mindset to come in and do whatever it takes to get on the field.”
Not only does he have the requisite size to play the position with his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame, Felton also the speed to take the top off the defense, evidenced by him running the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds.
Asked to describe his game, Felton pointed to his speed, as well as his ability to make plays when the ball is in his hands.
“I’m going to make defenders miss,” Felton said. “My intentions are always to go score.”
Though he has predominantly played outside throughout his career, Felton has shown the ability to work inside as he’s risen up the ranks. He will need to get stronger to have success at the next level.
The stats from last season speak for themselves as Felton led Maryland with 96 receptions for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns.
It’s not hard to imagine Felton fitting in nicely in a room that features Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor, among others. He should also be able to help out in various spots on special teams.
It will be interesting to see how the Vikings approach the rest of the draft. They could simply stick and pick at No. 139 and No. 142. They could also try to add more picks by trading back once again.
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