Dave Gettleman and the NY Giants followed up a celebrated free agency with a NFL Draft performance that’ll make your head spin.
After the Philadelphia Eagles sniped DeVonta Smith from them via a shocking trade with the Dallas Cowboys, they pivoted to the trade market themselves.
For the first time in his career, the NY Giants’ general manager traded back – receiving a haul of picks from the Chicago Bears. The move was lauded by fans and analysts alike, as the team gained three picks – including a valuable 2022 first rounder.
Subsequently, now possessing the 20th overall selection, the Giants made Florida’ Kadarius Toney their first round pick.
The selection wasn’t met with the same exuberance that the trade earlier in the night was – many focusing on the team’s need for a ferocious pass rusher. Nevertheless, Toney was a star in Florida’s offense, just not the star that Giants’ fans have been focusing their draft wishes on.
Here’s a breakdown of the good, and the bad of the NY Giants drafting of Kadarius Toney, as well as a grade for the move:
The good:
Defensive coordinators are going to have plenty of sleepless nights when game planning for the Giants’ offense.
When Gettleman said he was going to get Daniel Jones play-makers, we should’ve taken him at his word.
Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett’s unit now features an embarrassment of riches – Toney joining Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Saquon Barkley and Evan Engram.
Toney was a ball of lightning at Florida. He continually made defenders look silly with his acceleration, versatility and uncanny ability to find the end-zone.
The Giants haven’t had a play-maker of Toney’s caliber since they traded away Odell Beckham Jr. While many may say he’s just a slot receiver, he’s already proven he’s much more than that.
He brings infectious energy to the team, something Giants’ director of college scouting, Chris Petit, mentioned as something that impressed him. When the chips are down and the sun isn’t shining, Toney is a guy you want on your side.
With the selection of Toney, the Giants’ offense just got a lot more fun – and a lot scarier.