New York Giants select Kadarius Toney in 2021 NFL Draft: Grading the pick
After a slow start a year ago, Big Blue began to make some strides. And the New York Giants have had a very solid offseason to date, now adding Kadarius Toney to the fold.
The offseason additions include veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph, wide receivers Kenny Golladay and John Ross and a little insurance in terms of the offensive backfield in Devontae Booker. On the other side of the football, the newcomers include cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, linebackers Ryan Anderson and Reggie Ragland and interior presence Danny Shelton.
The New York Giants overcame a 0-5 start this past season under first-time NFL head coach Joe Judge. But quarterback Daniel Jones cut back on the miscues after a sluggish start and the Big Blue defense began to make its presence felt. The team finished 6-5 in its last 11 outings but the team missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
General manager Dave Gettleman looked to add a little firepower to one of the worst offenses in the league this past season. After trading down thanks to a move up by the Chicago Bears, the Giants opted for University of Florida wideout Kadarius Toney. Was it the smart choice?
Grading the New York Giants pick of Kadarius Toney at No. 20 in the 2021 NFL Draft
The former Gator did not put up huge numbers in his first three years at Florida but 2020 proved to be his coming-out party. A total of 27 games added up to 50 grabs for only 606 yards and two scores from 2017-19. This past year, the 6-0, 193-pound performer snared 70 balls for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Gettleman always seems to receiver his share of criticism and while he’s been far from perfect, this offseason has seen the team add some key pieces on both sides of the ball. The Giants could have used some more first-round help up front.
But the franchise received a fifth-round pick this year and first- and fourth-round selections in 2022 to move down to No. 20. In any case, add Toney to a roster suddenly loaded with offensive weapons.