Tai Felton Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Mike Buscher/AP)

School: Maryland

Class: Senior

Position: WR

HT: 6’2

WT: 188 lbs

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Background: Tai Felton is a bigger receiver that provides quick burst on the outside. He was a 3-star recruit out of Ashburn, Virginia. Tai was not highly recruited and was ranked just inside the top 30 players in Virginia for the class of 2021. Felton played football for Stone Bridge High School, where he was an all-state and all-district selection as a senior. Felton chose to play for Maryland over Virginia, Michigan State, and Virginia Tech.

College: Felton became a regular starter as a sophomore in 2022. This was a year that saw him catch 23 balls for 309 yards. As a junior in 2023, Felton started all 13 games and led the team with 6 receiving touchdowns. Felton was a Third Team All-Big 10 selection in 2023. Felton took another step forward in his progression in 2024, becoming one of the conference’s best receivers. He led the conference in receptions with 96 and receiving yards with 1,124. The 96 receptions was a Maryland single-season record. These marks were good enough to make Felton an All-Big 10 First Team selection.

Strengths: Tai Felton is a playmaking wide receiver with crisp route running technique. Felton can create separation in short areas with route running technique. He has sharp changes of direction at the top of his routes. He brakes without telegraphing his next move to keep defensive backs unaware of what his next move will be. Along with his elusiveness and creativity throughout his route tree, he also has elite speed to burn defenders in the deep areas of the field. He has a quick burst to get to his top speed and that speed often catches defenders off guard when trying to flip their hips. Felton also has the ability to stack corners on the boundary and make a catch over his shoulder. Felton has reliable hands and long arms to provide for a large catch radius. Even if a throw doesn’t hit him in the chest, he will go make the play. Felton has solid body control to be able to make plays down the field while contorting his body at different angles despite contact from defenders. Felton makes plays with the ball in his hands. He was often targeted in the short areas of the field due to his craftiness at the line of scrimmage. He is able to make defenders miss in open space and gain as many yards as possible.

Weaknesses: Felton has a problem winning with physicality. He gets knocked off his route by physical press corners and does not have the strength to win 50/50 balls at the catchpoint. If his release package does not create separation at the line, Felton has the tendency to get jammed. As a blocker, Felton can get thrown around by defenders. He is relatively ineffective as a run blocker on the outside.

Conclusion: Tai Felton has the tools to be a playmaker at the next level. He is a well-rounded wide receiver who can do it all with the ball and on his routes. He creates separation in a variety of ways and can turn on the burners to win with pure speed. If he can put on muscle and add strength to his portfolio, he will be able to win against any type of matchup in any situation.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Z Receiver

Best Team Fits: BUF, DAL, PIT

Player Comparison: Calvin Ridley

Player Grade: Round 2 (86.9)