Minnesota assistant coach Matt Daniels highlights the main reason why Vikings fans should be excited about top NFL Draft pick
When the Minnesota Vikings selected wide receiver Tai Felton in the third round of the NFL Draft, it raised some eyebrows. Wide receiver wasn’t the biggest need for the Vikings, especially with cornerback being in the state it currently is. However, Jalen Nailor isn’t likely to return next season with the Vikings’ salary cap space […]
When the Minnesota Vikings selected wide receiver Tai Felton in the third round of the NFL Draft, it raised some eyebrows. Wide receiver wasn’t the biggest need for the Vikings, especially with cornerback being in the state it currently is. However, Jalen Nailor isn’t likely to return next season with the Vikings’ salary cap space the way it is.
Right now, Felton isn’t impressing very much in training camp. He’s been mainly with the second and third teams initially, and there has been an adjustment period for him. Being that he’s mainly a speed demon, it’s not something that the Vikings have prioritized.
Vikings special teams coach Matt Daniels was asked about Felton during his press availability and highlighted a big reason why they selected him in the NFL Draft: his ability with the ball in his hands.
“I think the biggest thing is, you look at the tape, he’s always been a ball-in-the-hand guy, the YAC yardage, his ability to stick the foot in the ground. I think for Tai, he has the ability to make him miss in the first, second, and third level. So he can make you miss, whether it’s within the shoe box, he’s also able to see the back door cuts that do happen, really at that second level, and then he’s got the gas to run away from the guys at the third level. So that’s what’s really exciting about, from a Tai Felton standpoint.”
When you watch Felton’s film, his speed pops. He understands how to use angles, and has quick feet to thrive. Of Felton’s 1,119 yards this past season, 590 of them came after the catch.
Finding a way to get the ball in his hands with manufactured touches could be something the Vikings choose to do early on to integrate him into the offense. He’s also the starting kick returner on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, and that could be a great spot for him to thrive.
Saturday’s game against the Houston Texans will be Felton’s first opportunity to show his stuff.
Minnesota Vikings News
Minnesota Vikings preseason debut highlighted by intriguing depth players ready to make a major impact
There are multiple players to keep an eye on when it comes to the Vikings preseason debut vs. Texans
