Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes tabs third-year WR as breakout candidate

"When he's on the field, he's a difference maker, I think y'all saw when he was with us this year and in the Super Bowl," Mahomes recently said on the "AP Pro Football Podcast." "He's one of those guys that if you can just get the ball in his hands, he makes plays happen. He can be one of the best receivers in this league."

Toney caught a TD and had the longest punt return in Super Bowl history (65 yards)—which helped the Chiefs extend a pivotal, fourth-quarter lead—during their 38-35 victory over the Eagles. 

Despite the impressive championship performance, Toney's durability and consistency have prevented him from becoming a mainstay in a passing offense. 

Toney, the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, played in 19 of 34 games during his first two seasons with the Giants and Chiefs and only caught two TDs. 

However, Kansas City GM Brett Veach remains adamant about his potential and believes he can become a key offensive component.

"He's predominantly been a guy that is a slot receiver, returner, runner— a gadget guy if you will," Veach said, via Adam Teicher of ESPN. "But I don't know if there is a limit to his game because he has a vertical game." 

Toney is fast (4.39 40-yard dash), which complements Mahomes since he likes to attack downfield and needs quick WRs to blaze past the defense. Consequently, the 24-year-old could become a preferred target for the two-time MVP.