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Minnesota Vikings rookie Tai Felton could earn massive role this season

Originally posted on Maryland Terrapins on SI
By Chris Breiler | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 1:34 PM ET

Former Terrapin Tai Felton is entering his rookie season with the opportunity to become an early impact player for the Minnesota Vikings this fall.

Following a stellar career at Maryland, where he became the program record holder for single-season catches (96) and ranks third all-time in career receptions (172), Felton now looks to continue that success in the NFL. Vikings' wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell thinks that Felton has a shot at establishing himself as a key playmaker with the Vikings for the long haul.

Speaking with the Star Tribune over the summer, McCardell, who also coached the wide receivers at Maryland from 2014-2015, recalled working with Felton during his Pro Day leading up to the draft.

“I ran it, basically,” McCardell told the Star Tribune about Felton's Pro Day. “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.”

So when Felton was still on the board as the Vikings were making their third-round pick, the folks calling the shots in Minnesota knew exactly what they were going to do.

Felton enters a Vikings wide receiver room that includes elite playmakers like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But recent reports indicate that Addison could face a suspension from a 2024 DUI citation that could sideline him for a portion of the season, with NFL insider Adam Schefter indicating he could be facing a three-game suspension.

If convicted, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison could be facing a baseline three-game suspension, per NFL policy. https://t.co/we6dIrQSpo
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2025