The Bears will likely roll with Andy Dalton as their quarterback, and with receiver Allen Robinson playing on the franchise tag, they don’t have much certainty at the receiver position long term. Toney may not exactly be a No. 1 receiver option, but he has a lot of versatility and playmaking ability, something Chicago desperately needs.
Where the Bears could get him: Round 1 (No. 20)
Why he fits: The Bears could go cornerback or offensive tackle in the first round, but there is also a need to add another playmaker in Matt Nagy’s offense around new starting quarterback Andy Dalton. The have their No. 1 target in Allen Robinson, and Darnell Mooney had a solid rookie year and should improve next season.
Now insert Toney as Chicago’s slot player who can impact the game plan on pass targets and manufactured touches (see video below) from anywhere on the field. Nagy could deploy Toney on crossers and verticals from trips sets while using pre-snap movement and backfield alignments to get the ball in his hands. I see a prospect here with dynamic and explosive traits on tape. And that gives Nagy options when he’s creating game plans and calling plays.
Both players are almost guaranteed first-round picks; the only thing left to determine is where they land. If this ESPN article is right and they go to the Bengals and Bears, respectively, they will likely have the chance to see the field early in their careers.
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