Scouting the 2021 NFL Draft: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Kadarius Toney

Florida senior wide receiver Kadarius Toney is enjoying a career year and has improved his draft stock as much as any skill player in the country during the 2020 college season.

The native of Mobile, Alabama will showcase his skill set in his hometown during the week of practices at this year’s Senior Bowl and should enjoy a successful week of one-on-ones considering his electrifying athletic ability.

Toney was a three-star recruit in high school and was rated as the No. 63 athlete in the nation by Rivals. He received offers from eight schools, including Alabama and Auburn, but ultimately settled on Florida where he’s evolved into a jack-of-all-trades on offense. Toney’s contributed as a runner, receiver, wildcat quarterback, and return man.

Toney’s enjoying a productive season in 2020, the best of his career as a Gator. Through eight games this year, Toney’s totaled 45 catches for 541 yards and seven scores. He’s added 83 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, too. His added ability as a kick returner has been on display as well; he’s returned nine punts for 126 yards and a touchdown. For his up-to-date season stats, click here.

Physically, Toney stands an unofficial 5-11, 190 pounds. He’s a prototype slot receiver who wins with electrifying lateral agility and exceptional juice off the line of scrimmage; he isn’t going to bully defensive backs or win many contested situations. He isn’t big enough, and that’s OK.

Athletically, Toney has the kind of shake-and-bake reminiscent of former Rams first-round pick, Tavon Austin. While that comp may carry a negative connotation — Austin was a bust in the NFL — it’s not meant to. Toney runs with more power and balance after the catch and appears more natural as a route-runner than Austin ever did.

Toney’s first step into his route is exceptional. He reaches full speed immediately and can put defensive backs in a blender in an instant. His change-of-direction ability is at or near the top of this year’s draft class; he can stop and start on a dime and leaves defensive backs in the dust. He gains the kind of separation needed from smaller receivers who can’t out-muscle defenders, and he’s flashed the ability to win on vertical routes because of his speed which is expected to register somewhere in the 4.35 range.

Toney’s want-to as a run blocker is encouraging. He’s tough; he throws his body into blocks and is a pretty tenacious dude. While he won’t make a living on running downs, the fact he’s willing to mix it up with defenders is a peek into his desire.

Overall, Toney will be a coveted player for teams that are searching for a playmaking slot target. Those guys don’t usually come off the board in the first round, but they don’t wait long to hear their name called in Round 2. Assuming Toney checks the boxes he’s expected to in the pre-draft process, he has a chance to emerge as a top-50 pick.

GRADE: 7.7 (2nd round)

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL