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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) on the field before the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford.Nyg Vs Lar /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Kadarius Toney, WR, New York Giants

2021 Stats:

  • 39 Receptions
  • 420 Yards
  • 0 TDs

Dave Gettleman sure did not leave the New York Giants in better shape than he found them in.

It seemed as though he had one move after another fail to work out and that was especially true of his additions at wide receiver in 2021. Knowing they needed to make a splash, they went out and gave Kenny Golladay a four-year, $72 million contract — and he finished his first season with just 37 receptions with 521 yards and no touchdowns at all.

There were rumors that Gettleman wanted to pair Golladay with DeVonta Smith from Alabama but that became impossible when the Philadelphia Eagles jumped up to No. 10 in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. New York then dropped down to No. 20 in a trade with Chicago — and they added a pick in the 2022 NFL Draft as well.

As for the selection they made this past season, the Giants rolled the dice on Kadarius Toney. The reason this one was a bit of a gamble is due to Toney spending very little time at wideout while playing at Florida.

Considered a “utility player,” he was an athlete without a position but then broke out with 984 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2020. Even with that performance, he still had just one year of experience at the position, and his lack of reps as a wideout showed in 2021.

Toney finished with just 420 yards and no touchdowns. He did have a huge game against the Dallas Cowboys in a loss when he put up 189 yards but outside of that game, he was a non-factor all season.

Grade: D+

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