Projecting how New York Giants’ 2021 NFL Draft class will perform in 2022

Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers in action against Azeez Ojulari #51 of the New York Giants (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Sam Darnold #14 of the Carolina Panthers in action against Azeez Ojulari #51 of the New York Giants (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Kadarius Toney, New York Giants
Kadarius Toney #89 of the New York Giants (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

WR Kadarius Toney

Even with the moments of flashes we got to see briefly out of the Florida product, Kadarius Toney’s rookie season can be best characterized as frustrating.

Toney played in 10 games last season, but only seven of them saw the rookie play in over 50 percent of the snaps on offense; Weeks 3-5, 8-10, and 15.

In those spurts, he had his high points, like against New Orleans and Dallas, when he compiled 16 catches for 267 yards before injuring his ankle against the Rams the following week.

A large factor that’ll determine Toney’s 2022 is how healthy he’ll be. If he remains, there’s plenty to like about what this new coaching staff brings to the table and their potential to cater to Toney’s strengths.

With new offensive coordinator Mike Kafka coming in from Kansas City where he was not only the quarterback’s coach, but also the pass game coordinator, it’s encouraging given the experience he has with Tyreek Hill, a similar mix of speed and agility to Toney.

Similarly, Daboll used Isaiah McKenzie in an effective, albeit limited way which involved a heavy emphasis on getting yards after the catch.

That’s not to say Toney will all of a sudden produce like Hill, or that he’ll be used sparingly like McKenzie, as there are other factors in play, but expect Daboll and Kafka to do what they can to prioritize getting Toney the ball in his hands more often, as well as scheming him to get the ball in space. Another possible archetype for how Toney could be used is Deebo Samuel, having moved all over the field, possessing a combination of speed, physicality, and start-and-stop ability.

Expected Role: Starting Z-receiver, occasionally lined up in the backfield, potential to be used in motion often.