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WR Tim Toone (Weber State) - Round 7, Pick No. 255
This year's Mr. Irrelevant is Tim Toone, a wide receiver out of Weber State. Toone joins Ramzee Robinson and others as Lions players who were taken with the final pick of the draft. He brings an interesting personality and an even more interesting hairdo to the table along with excellent return skills that should greatly improve his chances of making it in the NFL.
Experts' Opinions
ESPN:
Toone is an undersized slot receiver prospect who faces a steep challenge trying to make the transition from Weber State to the NFL.
Positives: Reliable pass catcher with natural receiving skills. Quick into the pass routes, stays low on exit and displays good eye/hand coordination, making this reception away from his frame. He works to find the open spot in the defense, gets separation from opponents and nicely adjusts to the errant throw. Fearless over the middle, goes up in a crowd and sacrifices his body to make the difficult reception. Effortlessly makes the difficult over the shoulder reception downfield without breaking stride. Consistent and effective returning punts.
Negatives: Lazily comes off the line on occasion. One speed receiver who lacks a second gear and does not have much of an upside.
The 2010 Mr. Irrelevant is an all-purpose threat that can return kicks, run routes and make plays in space. He will fight for a spot on specials teams in his rookie year.
Toone's fearless style of play nearly earned him an invite to a postseason All-Star game. While undersized, the passionate senior should not be underestimated if he gets a shot at the NFL level. As of now, he may be best suited for duty up North.
Stats
2006: 7 rec., 275 yards (39.3 avg.), 2 TD
2007: 32 rec., 698 yards (21.8 avg.), 10 TD
2008: 84 rec., 1525 yards (18.2 avg.), 7 TD
2009: 83 rec., 1104 yards (13.3 avg.), 10 TD
Videos
Highlights:
Pre-draft interview:
Interview with another player:
More:
Miscellaneous
- Tim Toone bio (Some interesting facts: Toone ran indoor and outdoor track for Weber State. Also, Toone is 25 years old since he served a two-year mission in West Africa.)
- Interview with NFL Draft Blitz
- Lions conference call transcript
- 10 facts about Mr. Irrelevant
Outlook for 2010
Toone will compete for one of the final wide receiver spots on the team. Working in his favor is the fact that he is an excellent special teams player. Since coaches like their backups to be multi-dimensional, the fact that Toone can catch passes and then return kicks/punts as well will only help him in his quest to make the team. Whether or not he does will boil down to how many receivers the Lions decide to take and obviously where he's at on the depth chart compared to other receivers competing for a spot. Even if he doesn't make the 53-man roster, I would expect him to be a practice squad player that is ready for his shot on the active roster in case there is an injury to a receiver or a returner.
Previously: Ndamukong Suh, Jahvid Best, Amari Spievey, Jason Fox, Willie Young
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