Rookie pass-rusher Shaka Toney could be an immediate contributor for Washington in 2021

When the Washington Football Team selected Penn State edge rusher, Shaka Toney in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL draft, many viewed it as a depth pick for the future. Or, perhaps, Toney could become a standout on special teams.

Over the past week, we’ve had the chance to dive into the college career of Toney and clearly believe the rookie could help Washington as soon as 2021.

At just over 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds, Toney doesn’t possess the size of a defensive end at the NFL level. However, he does fit the profile of an outside linebacker; is that something he could do in Washington?

The Football Team needs depth at edge rusher in 2021 behind Chase Young and Montez Sweat. Ryan Kerrigan is still a free agent, but the team wants to see what it has in younger players like Toney and fellow draftee William Bradley-King.

The problem with Toney is he fits into a similar profile as former Washington second-round pick Ryan Anderson. Anderson, who was drafted as a 3-4 outside linebacker, was moved to defensive end in 2020 when Ron Rivera took over as head coach.

Anderson was clearly the No. 4 rusher behind Young, Sweat and Kerrigan and never appeared comfortable as a 4-3 defensive end. Many fans wanted to see the team try him and as an outside linebacker, but the team obviously didn’t see that fit.

Washington did not retain Anderson after the 2020 season.

Toney fits the same mold as several of Washington’s other draft choices. He offers versatility and athleticism. He scored a 9.47 in Kent Platte’s Relative Athletic Score.

During his time at Penn State, Toney was a four-year contributor. As a reserve in 2017, he finished with 20 tackles, including 6.5 for loss and four sacks. He followed that up in 2018 with 23 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss in five sacks.

Toney became a starter in 2019, recording 41 tackles, 8.5 for loss and six sacks. He was named second-team All-Big Ten.

As a senior in 2020, Toney finished with 31 tackles, 7.5 for loss and leading the team with five sacks in nine games. He was named first-team All-Big Ten.

That’s a pretty solid career.

Of course, that production means nothing at the NFL level. But there is a path for Toney to help Washington in 2021. His size will never allow him to be an every-down defensive end in the NFL. However, he can be used on pass-rushing downs to give either Sweat or Young a breather.

Watch Toney here.

What about trying him as a strongside linebacker?

Toney was invited to the Senior Bowl in January and showed the ability to stick with tight ends down the seam. Washington has made it a priority to have athletic defenders who can cover. While Toney didn’t do a lot of that in college, he did display at the Senior Bowl he has the necessary skills.

Washington coaches will have a plan for Toney once they see him this summer in training camp. And expect Toney to be ready for the challenge.

I believe Toney ends up making Washington’s final roster this summer and becomes a key backup in 2021. The key thing here is versatility. He can not only help on special teams but provide depth at both defensive end and linebacker.