Chad Reuter Projects the Colts to Select Florida WR Kadarius Toney, Others in his Three Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

According to NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, the Indianapolis Colts are projected to fill a number of long-term holes in his new three round 2021 NFL Mock Draft—with their first selection coming after a trade down with the Cleveland Browns (going from pick #21 to #26):

Pick

26 Indianapolis Colts

Kadarius Toney · WR

PROJECTED TRADE WITH BROWNS

School: Florida | Year: Senior

It seems unlikely the Colts will find a quarterback in the 20s who can step in and immediately replace the retired Phillip Rivers. If T.Y. Hilton hits the open market, Toney’s quickness off the line of scrimmage and elusiveness with the ball in his hands will make him a solid replacement.

Pick

54 Indianapolis Colts

Samuel Cosmi · OT

School: Texas | Year: Junior (RS)

Pick

84 Indianapolis Colts

Tyson Campbell · CB

School: Georgia | Year: Junior

Regarding Toney, the 5’11”, 189 pound senior Florida Gators wideout recorded 70 receptions for 984 receiving yards (14.1 ypr. avg.) and 10 touchdown receptions during 11 starts.

He also rushed 19 times for 161 total rushing yards (averaging 8.5 yards per carry) and a rushing touchdown.

Toney additionally made his mark on special teams, returning 7 kickoffs for 155 total kickoff yards (22.1 yards per return avg.) and 11 punts for 139 total punt yards (12.6 yards per return avg.) and a touchdown return.

He earned First-Team All-SEC honors in 2020 at wide receiver.

Here’s NFL.com Daniel Jeremiah’s scouting report on Toney:

“Toney is a versatile, explosive playmaker. He lines up in the slot and does a lot of damage on fly sweeps and seam routes. His combination of play strength, burst and wiggle makes him difficult to get on the ground once the ball is in his hands. He doesn’t run a wide variety of routes, but he has the skill set to develop in that area. He’s dangerous in the return game because of his athleticism and lack of fear. Overall, Toney isn’t quite as big as Deebo Samuel, but I envision him playing the same role at the next level.”

Here’s what else they’re saying:

Now, after reading this, it sounds like Toney is similar in playing style and skill-set to soon-to-be third-year Colts wideout Parris Campbell, who was a second round pick in 2019, but has been severely limited by injuries to start his early career.

He’s a bit of a ‘gadget’ wideout, who naturally excels in the slot, and is a dynamic playmaker with the football in his hands—whether rushing or running after the catch.

That’s why I have a tough time thinking the Colts may go after Toney this early in the draft, because I’m not sure general manager Chris Ballard has given up on Campbell quite yet—who has a potential big breakout 2021 season ahead of him and desperately needs to stay healthy.

That being said, the Colts offense lacks playmakers. Toney makes moves as a route-runner that simply cannot be taught athletically, and he’s an elusive playmaker after the catch.

With Indy veteran T.Y. Hilton set to become a free agent and far from a sure thing to return, the Colts could use another long-term answer at wide receiver—especially with Campbell’s injury history complicating matters. Toney is a playmaker and would help in that regard, adding much needed speed and playmaking to the Colts receiving corps.

Regarding Texas redshirt junior offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi at pick #54:

“The 6’7”, 309 pound offensive tackle has made 35 straight starts for the Longhorns—with 21 of those starts at left tackle. He earned 2nd-Team All-Big 12 honors for Texas during 2019 and moves pretty well for a big man of his sheer size.”

Lastly, as it relates to Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell next at pick #84:

“Regarding Campbell, the 6’2”, 185 pound junior cornerback for the Georgia Bulldogs, recorded 29 tackles (20 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 5 pass breakups during 10 starts in 2020.”

All three of these talented prospects would fill major long-term positional holes for the Colts going forward—with each having a chance to start immediately during 2021 (especially in Cosmi’s case).