Who is Penn State Football losing to NFL Draft? Round projections for each player
DE – Shaka Toney
In a class with limited pass-rush depth, Shaka Toney has the potential to climb up draft boards as the scouting process rolls along.
Toney, 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, is going to need to prove to scouts and executives that he can either standout as an outside linebacker or add bulk without losing his speed and explosiveness to put his hand in the dirt as a pass-rushing defensive end at the NFL level.
Thanks to an explosive first-step, Toney produced 112 total tackles in four seasons in Happy Valley, along with 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and for pass breakups. Toney was among the standouts during the Senior Bowl earlier this month, in practices even showing off his ability to drop into coverage — something he was rarely asked to do in Penn State’s scheme.
Over past two years watching @PennStateFball tape can’t recall seeing Shaka Toney (@SackA_Toney) manned up on TE. Excellent job here in first 1-on-1 rep at Reese’s Senior Bowl. At 6022v, 238v stuff like this will help NFL teams project him from DE to LB.#TheDraftStartsInMobile pic.twitter.com/WVFPEYKqkw
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 9, 2021
“He’s extra bendy,” Senior Bowl executive Director Jim Nagy recently told VictoryBellRings. “Knows how to rush, and has a high-motor.”
Pro Football Focus gives Toney an 81.6 pass-rush grade, placing him in the 80th percentile among edge rushers the outlet graded this year.