Why One Vikings Rookie Could Explode Up the Depth Chart in Training Camp
Some Vikings fans were surprised when Tai Felton was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Felton, 22-years-old as of March 15, spent his collegiate years at Maryland, and prior to that draft, Minnesota had made moves to bring in both Tim Jones and Rondale Moore in free agency. Moore recorded 40+ receptions in each of his first three NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before losing his fourth season to injury. Meanwhile, Jones has been a depth receiver for three years in the league.
But still, that Vikings rookie wide receiver has plenty of talent to showcase, and a big opportunity in front of him to snatch a massive role as early as Week 1.
The Vikings Rookie to Watch in Training Camp
Minnesota brought Felton in for a reason, despite the questions surrounding the pick due to star talent at the position in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
For one, Keenan McCardell, the Vikings wide receivers coach, was a big fan of him throughout the draft process, and Felton’s production (144 receptions for 1847 yards and 15 touchdowns over his final two seasons) speaks for itself.
“McCardell told Star Tribune‘s Andrew Krammer about Felton’s Pro Day in the spring, “I ran it, basically. It was a really good workout. I told him, ‘Hey, man, you got me thinking now. If I get a chance, I’m going to fight to get you.’ He can play special teams and do a lot of things to help us as a team, first, and then as a receiver. I think he’s going to be a good Viking for a long time.”
Sounds like a guy who is going to get every opportunity to prove himself this summer.
Felton very well could compete for a WR3 role to start the season.
While Moore has recorded a great number of receptions every year in Arizona, it has proven difficult for him to fully capitalize on the opportunities.
The 25-year-old receiver has averaged just 8.9 yards per catch during his career, and he has never scored more than one touchdown in each year of his career.
That lack of explosive, big-play potential is not a worry with Felton. The 6’2″, 186-pound receiver averaged 15.1 yards per reception in 2023 and 11.7 yards per reception in 2024.
Meanwhile, Jordan Addison’s possible suspension looms over the franchise heading into camp as well. The third-year wide receiver has been facing a DUI charge after law enforcement arrested him for falling asleep behind the wheel near LAX.
Should Addison be suspended, it takes a big-time playmaking threat out of the lineup after he put together 63 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
It opens the door for Felton to showcase his speed and route running ability throughout training camp, and hopefully, solidify himself as a reliable pass catcher for the Minnesota Vikings offense.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference and Sports Reference CFB.
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