Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals offense get some help in Pro Football Focus’s latest mock draft.
PFF’s Andrew Erickson has the Cardinals selecting former Florida Gators wide receiver with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Toney’s elusiveness and big-play ability would give the Cardinals a viable second option in the passing game behind DeAndre Hopkins, according to Erickson. No Cardinals receiver had over 54 catches outside of Hopkins last season.
His missed-tackle rate per touch (35%) since 2018 ranks No. 1 among the 2021 WR draft class (min. 100 touches), and he would be an immediate upgrade in the slot over a 37-year-old Larry Fitzgerald.
The Cardinals’ offense has ranked 22nd in the NFL in explosive plays and 31st in yards per reception since 2019, Erickson added. Toney had at least one play over 30 yards in six games last season and caught 70 passes for 984 yards.
Toney also ranked ninth in the SEC in all-purpose yards per game (122.8) and was one of three FBS players to score a receiving, rushing and return touchdown last season. Toney scored 12 touchdowns in 2020.
Toney was also effective in the run game during his four-year college career at Florida. Toney rushed for 580 yards and two touchdowns on 66 rushing attempts during his college career.
Toney also had a small role in the Gators’ passing attack during his time in Gainesville, Fla. Toney played quarterback in high school and got to showcase his arm at times, completing three of six passes for 82 yards and a touchdown at Florida.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday that the Cardinals and Detroit Lions had met with Toney. The San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Football Team have also expressed interest in the wide receiver.
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