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Analyzing the most commonly mocked Saints’ 2021 NFL Draft prospects

By Justin Dunbar

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 11: New Orleans Saints Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis walks on the field during pre-game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 11: New Orleans Saints Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis walks on the field during pre-game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Saints potential draft prospect: WR Ka’Darius Toney

  • Mock Draft Share: 8.39% (2nd)
  • EDP Rank: 30th
  • Draft Model Rank: 21st

Let me be straightforward here: this would be a fantastic pick by Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton.

Once upon a time, receivers needed to be as well-rounded and “flawless” as possible, as they needed to be able to create separation and win contested-catch scenarios on their own. However, with the way offenses are evolving, the game has shifted more towards being able to scheme players open.

What becomes valuable in this case? Production after the catch, and that’s what Ka’Darius Toney would provide any team that drafts him.

Shiftiness and elusiveness are two commonly praised aspects of Toney’s game, but it’s not as though he’s simply a gadget player. Listed at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds, his size isn’t a major issue, and he had more success producing in traffic than you’d expect.

Regardless, though, his yards after catch production should make him incredibly appealing for Payton. Few coaches embrace the idea of leveraging their playmakers than Payton, and he has generally had a lot of success with receivers deemed “limited”.

He’s certainly been infatuated by the potential of Deonte Harris, and in Toney, he’s getting an even more dangerous player with the ball in his hands, but also someone incredibly more refined as a receiver.

Now, you may object that quarterback Jameis Winston needs more of a prototypical deep threat, given his tendencies.

However, do recount that slot receiver Adam Humphries, paired with Winston in Tampa Bay, had over 100 targets in 2018 with just a 6.2 average depth of target, leveraging his abilities after the catch.

Toney is far more prolific than Humphries, and would fill a similar slot role in what will likely be a pass-happy offense. If the Saints want to return to being an offensive powerhouse in the near future, they need more players like Toney.

Grade: 9.99/10

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