As the 2021 NFL Draft draws closer we’ll profile some of the players that may be on the Patriots’ radar or that we feel would be a great fit.
The Patriots have a huge need at wide receiver coming into the 2021 season. Simply put they have no one that will keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night. There is no one on the roster who offers yards-after-catch YAC.
Currently, the players on the roster include Julien Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski, Marquise Lee with Devin Smith, Isaiah Zuber, and Kristian Wilkerson signed to a futures contract.
Edelman will be 35 in 2021 and as great a player as he’s been for the Patriots, it is getting time to look elsewhere, especially for a player who carries more than a $6 million dollar cap hit. Lee never played a down for the team as he opted out due to the coronavirus. Meyers turned into a legitimate target but offers very little in YAC.
The Patriots need a huge influx of speed and athleticism to the position and make things a bit easier on their QB, whoever that is in 2021. They have money to spend in free agency but until the QB situation is settled, with a minimum of having a bridge QB, it will be hard to attract good free agent WRs to New England. So, we’ll take a look at the draft and who, if they are willing would be available in Round 1.
Kardarius Toney, Florida, was basically a gadget player for his first few seasons with the Gators but turned into a legitimate threat when paired with Kyle Trask in 2020. Toney put together a very good 2020 season with 70 catches, 984 yards with 10 TDs receiving. He added 19 rushes for 161 yards (8.5-yard average) with another TD.
Toney can play outside or in the slot, where it seems is his best fit. However, his outstanding agility and athleticism make him a threat in all three levels. His last three games in his college career were all big games. He caught 8 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown at Tennessee. He then added 9 catches for 182 yards and a score against LSU. And in the SEC Championship Game, he caught 8 passes for 153 yards and a TD against Alabama.
Toney is something that no Patriot receiver is…he’s dynamic with the ball in his hands. He has that rare explosion that few WRs have and he’s a threat anywhere he catches the ball. He has elite acceleration and is very agile.
He’s not a big guy at 5’11, 189 but his explosion, athleticism, and acceleration mean that defenses have to respect his speed. If a cornerback bites on a move, he’ll blow right by them and is a threat to go the distance.
His route running can use some improvement, but it is because they didn’t ask him to do much. He can be so much more in the NFL.
Pros:
– Elite athleticism, speed, and explosiveness
– Versatile, can line up all over the formation
– Big play ability anywhere on the field
– Can put defenders on skates with his agility
Cons
– Size isn’t ideal
– Uses his body too much when catching contested passes
– Route tree can be polished
What his Role Will Be:
Toney will be a WR who will learn on the job as the team finds ways to get him in space
Will His Role Change from Year 1-2?
Yes, as he gets comfortable in the offense and the coaches find his best fits, he will turn into a true weapon.
How Many Downs Can He Play?
Three
What Current Player on the Roster Will He Replace?
None, there is no one on the roster with his athleticism
What is his ST Value?
Good, Florida had him returning some kicks and punt returns.
Conclusion:
Toney is a fun player to watch on the field, as he draws so much attention, even when he doesn’t have the ball. He can create separation and yards after the catch. I can envision the Patriots (if they select him) using him much in the same way that the Chiefs use Tyreek Hill, not that he has Hill’s top-end speed. Toney will probably test out in the 4.4 range during his Pro-Day, not that it is slow, but his agility and explosion will get him open all over the field.
He was electric during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl, turning in highlight-reel catches every day. He’s had some off-field issues earlier in his college career, so, his character needs to be checked out, but the last couple of seasons, we haven’t heard anything that would put up any red flags. He can struggle against tight man coverage, however, with his burst, if he gets separation he’ll be tough to bring down.
He would be the Patriots’ next great slot receiver with the versatility to move all over the field. And with the athleticism and joystick moves to make him a very dangerous wide receiver in space…he’s something the team desperately needs.
He can run slants, bubble screens, shallow crossers as well as deep routes. He has good hands. He’s isn’t a great run blocker but is willing and despite his somewhat undersized stature, he is capable to break tackles with a physical style of running.
A highlight film forToney in 2020, from League Ready can be seen here:
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
