Two Gators appear in Mel Kiper’s first NFL mock draft of 2021

UF hasn’t had an offensive skill position player selected in the 1st round of the NFL draft since Tim Tebow in 2010; this year may have two.

AP Photo/Rusty Costanza

Meanwhile, receiver Kadarius Toney is projected to be selected eight picks later at No. 19 by the Washington Football Team. Toney is one of the most electric players in college football with the ball in his hands, and if his skills translate to the next level, he could be a dangerous weapon in the NFL.

19. Washington Football Team

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

I would have liked to get a quarterback for Washington, but my top five are all off the board. Ron Rivera & Co. have to figure out the position, and maybe the answer is a veteran in free agency. Instead let’s focus on a wide receiver group that has only Terry McLaurin as a plus starter. Kyle Pitts got a lot of the attention from people watching the Gators this season, but Toney opened the eyes of NFL scouts. He was a Swiss Army knife, catching 70 passes with 10 scores, adding a touchdown as a runner and one more on a punt return. Think of a Tyreek Hill-type playmaker who can beat teams in a variety of ways. We’ve already seen Washington get creative with Antonio Gibson, and it should find ways to get the ball in Toney’s hands.

Washington is still searching for a franchise quarterback, but adding a piece like Toney should help whoever lines up under center next season.

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