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The Vikings Have a Tai Felton Question to Answer
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- The Vikings Have a Tai Felton Question to Answer
Jeffrey Becker
Last year, the Vikings used a third-round pick on WR Tai Felton. With that level of draft capital, you expect a decent return, but so far, there has been little. With the signing of Jauan Jennings, it looks like the young Vikings receiver will do well down the pecking order once again when it comes to pass-catching opportunities.
The Vikings Must Sort Out Their WR Hierarchy
The addition of Kyler Murray this offseason should improve the Vikings' QB play, but I still don't see a huge volume of work coming the way of the Vikings' WR4, which is where Felton looks set to be on the team's depth chart. Not only will he be being Jennings, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison, but also TJ Hockenson when it comes to the target share.
Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton secures a catch while Giants cornerback Deonte Banks closes in during game action at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, in East Rutherford. The contested reception highlighted Felton's route timing and hands as Minnesota evaluated young receivers in live reps against starting-caliber defensive backs. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Selected with the 102nd overall pick in 2025, Felton didn't see much action on offense during his rookie season. He had three targets and caught all three for 25 yards, including two first-down conversions. The Vikings' stuttering offense, which cycled through three different starting quarterbacks over the course of the season, wasn't conducive to a rookie down the depth chart getting the chance to make an impact.
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Any hopes that Felton might be in for a breakout season in 2026 were certainly dampened by the arrival of Jennings. A big reason the Vikings made the move to sign Jennings is that he offers something that neither Felton nor any of the other Vikings WRs do. He is a big physical receiver, something Minnesota's offense was lacking, and he gives Jennings a specific role.
How the Vikings WR Depth Will Look
Felton shouldn't be in any danger of losing his place on the roster this season. Myles Price has a good chance of being on the roster because of his return skills. Undrafted rookie Dillon Bell is a name to look out for as a player. Compared to Deebo Samuel, a big, versatile receiver who can be used in different ways, Bell has the potential to force his way onto the Vikings roster as a type of gadget player.
Sep 30, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Tai Felton (10) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images.
For Felton, his role should still be WR4, and he should hope to have more than three targets across the whole season. The success of the Vikings offense as a whole will go a long way toward determining that. Injuries to those above him on the depth chart can always be a factor, but as of right now, Felton needs to get his head down, work hard, and wait for his opportunities. Then, much like last season, when they do come along, make the most of them.
