Kadarius Toney NFL Draft scouting report and fantasy football profile

This past season, the Florida Gators were one of the most explosive offense teams not only in the SEC, but in college football. One reason for that was the combination of quarterback Kyle Trask and tight end Kyle Pitts. But the other reason was the dynamic, playmaking ability of wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

Toney had a breakout 2020 season with 70 receptions for 984 yards (14.1 YPC) and 10 touchdowns. His 70 receptions were good for seventh in the NCAA and third in the SEC. The senior wide receiver also produced 161 rushing yards, a touchdown, and a punt return touchdown.

For his production, Toney was named second-team All-American by the Associated Press as an all-purpose player. He was also voted first-team All-SEC as an all-purpose player and second-team as a wide receiver. The 5-foot-11 wideout could be one of the many receivers that may be drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Scouting Report

The 5-foot-11 wide receiver could be an explosive offensive weapon/playmaker at the next level. While he lined up predominantly inside/slot for the Florida Gators, Toney can also be just as dangerous if lined up on the outside. Along those same lines, Toney isn’t necessarily a vertical/deep threat, despite running a 4.39 at his Pro Day last week. But he can get open on the short/intermediate routes, which also leads to big plays in the passing game.

This is something that we saw continuous at Florida this past season under head coach Dan Mullen. Toney would be featured sometimes running a flat route, whip route, or a regular in route that he can take the distance with his run after the catch ability. In terms of where he needs room for improvement, Toney can continue to work on his route-running. At the next level, teams will like play press more than allowing him to get a free release.

While hand fighting is essential at the line of scrimmage, the 5-foot-11 dynamo must be able to use his footwork to get off a jam or make the opposing team’s defensive back think that he’s doing something else. Another thing that he can continue to improve is run blocking, which is essential to staying on the field.

However, Toney can also make an impact in the special teams either on kick or punt return, which could be his opening to playing right away in the NFL. The Mobile, Alabama native’s game reminds me a lot of what Curtis Samuel did last season with the Carolina Panthers. A player who can lineup across the formation and that you need to find a way to get the ball in his hands.

Toney has the speed and explosiveness that make scouts drool over his playmaking potential. He could thrive in the wing back role that has re-emerged in some offensive systems.

Toney has the speed and explosiveness that make scouts drool over his playmaking potential. He could thrive in the wing back role that has re-emerged in some offensive systems. - NFL.com Bucky Brooks

Mock Draft landing spots

Some of the latest mock drafts have Kadarius Toney going somewhere in the late first-round after the top three of Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle are off of the board. Toney has been mocked to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 25 overall, the Baltimore Ravens, the Kansas City Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.

Fantasy impact: Rookie year

If Toney were to land with the Ravens, Chiefs or Jaguars, he would get opportunities to play right away and be used in multiple ways. We shouldn’t expect him to have Justin Jefferson or CeeDee Lamb-type production as a rookie. But its not out of the realm of possibility to see him have a season similar to San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk. Last season, Aiyuk had 825 total yards from scrimmage on 66 touches and seven touchdowns.

Fantasy impact: Career

Kadarius Toney will not become a top-tier WR1 in fantasy football. However, he could be a tremendous WR2 or FLEX play with his ability to lineup across the formation and just be an overall playmaker. If the former Florida Gator can master that role and do it well, then he will have a solid pro career.