2021 Senior Bowl: 5 players to watch

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Last year’s wide receiver draft class was seen as historic and, in 2020, it delivered production to suggest that assessment was accurate.

There are some who believe the 2021 class can be even better, but it was thinned out recently with the news that Ohio State’s Chris Olave, a potential late first-round pick, would be returning to Columbus for his senior season.

While that will be a disappointment for some wide receiver-needy teams, it presents an opportunity for Toney, who played an integral role in Trask’s ascension to Heisman Trophy finalist with a stunning season.

Toney’s senior season saw him rack up 70 catches for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 19 carries for 161 yards and a further touchdown as well as a punt return score.

He is not a No. 1 receiver but Toney is the type of talent at wideout that is in increasing demand following the recent successes of players in the Deebo Samuel mold. Toney is a versatile wideout whose explosiveness and elusiveness in space has allowed him to excel in creating separation and picking up yardage after the catch.

Possessing the skill set to operate at every receiver position and make plays as a runner out of the backfield, Toney’s ability to impact the offense from numerous spots and bring upside in the return game should greatly appeal to several teams.

Right now, Toney can be considered a fringe first-rounder. Should he show off the best of his abilities at the Senior Bowl, he will have an excellent shot of being picked in the back half of the opening round.