Why NFL executives are raving about NY Giants’ Kadarius Toney selection

NY Giants general manager Dave Gettleman earned the moniker “Trader Dave” over the weekend, as he managed to marry value to need, and acquire additional assets in the process, executing three trades, including moving down for the first time in his career in Round 1.

The player Gettleman and the NY Giants chose with the No. 20 overall pick, after adding a 2021 fourth-round selection as well as first and fifth-round picks in 2022 in a deal to move back nine spots with the Chicago Bears, was wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

Executives around the league viewed the pick as one of the biggest wins of the first-round.

“I really like the NFL Draft overall,” an AFC scouting director tells GMenHQ. “The trade was a great job by Gettleman, but Toney was really a sick choice. They needed a playmaker and got one. I like their entire draft, but love that pick.”

Toney has some position versatility, as well, especially given the fact that he can line up outside and from the slot, after averaging 19.6 yards after the catch per reception in 2019 and averaging 8.8 during his three-year career in Gainesville.

“As far as Kadarius is concerned,” Gettleman said Thursday on a conference call with reporters. “One of the off-season goals was to add weapons on offense and Kadarius, certainly he’s a good-size kid. He’s strong. He can run. He catches the ball well and he’s a very tough kid and he’s got return skills. So we were thrilled that he was there for us at that spot.”

Toney, 5-foot-11 and 189 pounds, might not have the prototypical size of an outside receiver, but his speed, acceleration and elusiveness after the catch give him the chance to be an immediate contributor with upside for the Giants.

“He’s tough,” an NFL executive tells GMenHQ. “He’s super competitive, and has excellent run after the catch skills.”

Surrounding quarterback Daniel Jones was a paramount offseason goal for the NY Giants, and now can drop Toney into a receiving corps that includes Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, and Sterling Shepard to surround their young passer with speed.

“The best part about this pick for them,” the AFC scouting director says. “Is he can line up at all three spots, has playmaking ability, and is outstanding after the catch.

“He might not be a refined route-runner yet, but will get better. He really helps that offense with speed and run after the catch.”

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL