Kadarius Toney NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile: Florida’s Gadget Receiver Rising Stock

Kadarius Toney NFL Draft Prospect Profile

Kadarius Toney NFL Draft Prospect: Bio & Measurables

• School: Florida
• Class in Final Season: Senior
• Age on NFL Draft Day: 22
• Height: 6-foot-0
• Weight: 193 lbs.

Kadarius Toney Scouting Report

Strengths

• Displays physicality with the ball in his hands
• Effective with simple routes
• Outstanding balance and body control
• Impressive strength through contact
• Incredible change-of-direction skills
• Shows versatility as receiver, ball carrier, return specialist

Needs Improvement

• Not jump-ball or vertical threat
• Small catch radius
• Unpolished route tree
• Lacks confidence in catching ability
• Profiles more as an offensive weapon than a complete receiver

Kadarius Toney NFL Outlook

Jack of all trades but master of none could be a way to describe former Florida Gator Kadarius Toney.

Toney came to Florida as a running quarterback and bounced between wildcat quarterback, running back and receiver as a true freshman. A utility player for his first three seasons, Toney transitioned to wide receiver as a senior. He came out of nowhere to light up the Gators’ offense with 70 receptions for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the ground, Toney logged an 8.5 yards per carry average for 161 yards and a score and was an effective return man, including a punt return for a touchdown.

Nagging injuries limited Toney’s playing time during his freshman and junior seasons. With 38 games and a total of just 150 targets under his collegiate belt, Toney may be limited early on in his pro career as he learns nuances of the receiver position and speed of NFL-level action. Toney showed strong progression during the course of his senior campaign and into the Senior Bowl — if he can keep that momentum going, he could develop sooner than later.

In the right system, Toney could develop into a successful and productive slot receiver.

Kadarius Toney NFL Comparison

Because of his innate ability to contort and move in space, Kadarius Toney is drawing comparisons to the original “human joystick,” Dante Hall. Per Pro Football Focus, Toney broke 40 tackles on 120 catches at Florida, including 20 on 70 receptions as a senior. Toney deceives defenders into believing they’ve wrapped him up when he’s actually still on the move.

Hall was also an accomplished return specialist, which Toney proved last season he’s more than capable of achieving.

Kadarius Toney NFL Draft Team Fits

New Orleans Saints

A tremendous showing at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl elevated Toney’s draft stock. Though the 28th overall pick may be a reach, the New Orleans Saints will be looking to fill the void left by free agent Emmanuel Sanders. Pairing Toney with the dangerous Michael Thomas could be a nightmare for defenses. Toney’s past as a wildcat quarterback could also allow the Saints to show some creative play-calling.

Detroit Lions

It’s no secret the Lions are horrible. But they’re looking to turn things around with the acquisition of quarterback Jared Goff. Now they just need someone who can catch the ball. Toney’s physical nature and versatility could help the Lions with their 3-and-out problems. If Toney is going to be a Lion, though, he’d have to be a day two selection at No. 39.

Cincinnati Bengals

Behind Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins, the Bengals’ wide receiver corp is thin. Cincinnati will certainly be looking for a second-round playmaker and Toney fits the bill. The team already has size with Boyd and Higgins, now they need someone who is shifty. Profiled as more of an offensive weapon than an all-around receiver, Toney could add some pizazz to the Joe Burrow-led offense.

Now that you’ve read our Kadarius Toney Draft Prospect scouting report, stay tuned after the 2021 NFL Draft for his impact on betting lines, odds and tips for his likely NFL team.

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