Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Tai Felton looks to break out, giving the already-dangerous passing game another quality target during the 2025 season. At the NFL level, teams often use three or more receivers. In a passing league, the need for more than the traditional two wideouts evolves from a luxury to a basic need.
Chances are, the third or fourth pass catchers will line up against a third corner or safety. As a result, they will enjoy a matchup advantage. And the rookie from the University of Maryland hopes to become another example.
Minnesota Vikings WR Tai Felton Predicted to Enjoy Strong Rookie Year
Normally, after the first three wideouts on a depth chart, teams will stack the back end of the roster with those possessing return ability or freakish size to dominate in the red zone.
With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison commanding the lion’s share of Minnesota’s targets and Jalen Nailor serving as the deep threat, the Vikings did not become complacent. Instead, they opted to draft Felton, providing their passing game with another dynamic playmaker.
In his one rookie to watch at minicamp from each NFL team article, PFSN’s Brandon Austin listed the former Terrapins star as a player to watch.
“Felton adds a burst of speed and playmaking ability to the Vikings’ receiving corps. The former Maryland standout delivered a breakout season in 2024, showcasing his deep speed and route-running polish. He became the first player in school history to start a season with four consecutive 100-yard games, displaying both consistency and explosiveness.
“Though he has a slender build and isn’t known for winning physical battles, Felton consistently finds separation and creates after the catch. Felton is more than just a vertical threat. He can move the chains and produce chunk plays in the short-to-intermediate game.”
Impressed me Friday how long Tai Felton was. Not sure I expected that. But stands out as an athlete, certainly. pic.twitter.com/5Tw1UouOkf
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) May 11, 2025
Automatically, teams will take notice of where Jefferson lines up and could attempt to bracket him with safety help over the top. Addison, on the other side, will probably see single coverage. However, averaging 13.4 yards per catch, can you consider him a deep threat?
Felton possesses the speed to threaten over the top. With one of the safeties presumably occupied, asking the other to patrol three-quarters of the field could end in disaster.
The biggest wild card with Felton is actually the quarterback. J.J. McCarthy, returning from a torn meniscus that sidelined him for all of the 2024 season, needs time to develop chemistry. Jefferson remains the priority, and Addison serves as the valuable second option. That may not leave ample time for Felton.
Can the Vikings trust their young QB to not only develop enough in-game chemistry but also run through his progressions fast enough to spot the third or fourth option?
On the positive side, Felton enters camp with a blank slate and the expectation that McCarthy will connect when he is open. With that, can the rookie WR make enough plays to force the issue and earn snaps?