Wide receiver Tai Felton from the University of Maryland is drawing attention from NFL teams ahead of the draft, primarily due to his demonstrated speed. Projections place him as a potential selection on the draft's third day.
Felton recorded a 4.37-second time in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, ranking among the fastest receivers. His burst and quickness are seen as assets that could translate to creating separation at the professional level.
During his final college season, Tai Felton caught 96 passes for 1,124 yards and 9 touchdowns. While his yards per catch average dipped to 11.7, scheme and quarterback play are noted factors that could affect production metrics.
Beyond straight-line speed, Felton offers versatility, having played significant snaps both outside and in the slot for the Maryland offense. He also has experience on special teams coverage units, logging several tackles during his college career.
Concerns noted by analysts include his size, listed at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 183 pounds at the combine. His catching consistency has also drawn scrutiny, particularly a higher number of drops recorded during the middle of his 2024 season.
Despite some questions, Tai Felton is generally viewed as a Day 3 prospect, often appearing in the fourth or fifth round range on consensus boards like the NFL Mock Draft Database.
Team interest has surfaced, with the Green Bay Packers hosting Felton for a top 30 visit earlier this month.
Felton participated in the Senior Bowl, providing another opportunity to showcase his abilities to NFL personnel. According to one trainer who has worked with him since high school, his work ethic is notable, particularly demonstrated during his recovery from a high school ACL injury in 2019.
Loyalty to the University of Maryland also shaped his path, as he remained with the program despite opportunities to transfer, stating his commitment to finishing his college career where he started.
As Tai Felton approaches the draft, his focus remains on the game itself.
"I'm just a football player," Felton said. "I'm just gonna play football."
