NY Giants: Comparing Kadarius Toney to Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz

Victor Cruz

The other receiver Toney’s been compared to most often is Giants’ great, Victor Cruz.

"“They might not have had a play-maker like this since Victor Cruz,” said NFL Network’s Nate Burleson. “You remember Victor Cruz – a little undersized, but when he catches the ball he can get out of trouble just like Kadarius.”"

Cruz burst onto the scene after going undrafted – racking up 1536 yards and 9 touchdowns in a magical season that ended with him holding the Lombardi Trophy. He became the focal point of the Giants’ offense, along with being one of the best stories in the entire league.

Eventually, injuries cut the fan favorite’s career short – but he still bleeds Giants’ blue, sticking around as a team ambassador. He’s consistently one of the team’s loudest supporters, even saying he expects the team to make a ‘major push’ in 2021 after their impressive off-season.

Toney mentioned he’ll bring ‘dynamic versatility’ to the Giants’ offense – perhaps even more than Cruz brought. Toney’s innate ability to cut on a dime and make defenders miss will conjure up memories of Cruz all season long – as well as their ability to each thrive whether in the slot on lined up outside.

Ironically, Toney and Cruz each measured in at the exact same height before their respective drafts – 5 ft, 11 5/8 inches. Toney’s 40-yard dash, three cone drill and broad jump were better, but Cruz topped the receiver’s vertical jump and bench press.

The 2021 first round pick’s joystick like ability to twist and turn for extra yards is something that will endear him to his fans and skeptics alike. Much like the former UMass receiver, Toney had to scratch and claw for every opportunity that was afforded to him – he’ll be as beloved as the former Giant great if he can help return the team to their past glory.

While Toney shares many similarities with Beckham Jr. and Cruz, he also has strengths that make him unique. His ability to lineup in the backfield and make something out of nothing drew comparisons to New Orleans Saints’ running back, Alvin Kamara.

"“I’d say my game is kind of like Devante Adams,” Toney said, relaying some of those thoughts himself. “Alvin Kamara, just quick, dynamic, explosive.”"

The combination of similarities Toney shares with intoxicating play-makers like Beckham Jr., Cruz and Kamara should make any fan happy. Throw in his own idiosyncratic spin and it’s a mix that could combine to make Toney what he’s been since his college days – a human highlight reel.

While the Giants’ could mold Toney to become a lite version of Beckham or Cruz, the truth is he’ll never be a carbon copy of either. If they instead focus on creating the greatest version of Kadarius Toney, they could have one of the league’s best play-makers on their team.