Big Blue's first round is complete, and somewhat surprising!
Giants Pick 1 (No. 20 Overall)
Wow! The New York Giants have selected Florida WR, Kadarius Toney.
For the first time in his career as a General Manager, Dave Gettleman traded down. The Giants traded with Chicago, giving the Bears their No. 11 overall pick. In return, the Giants got the 20th pick this year as well as pick 164. They got a first-rounder for 2021 and a 2022 4th round pick.
The 6 foot, 193 lb wide receiver plays much bigger than his size, which can get him in trouble (injury-wise). However, he is one speedy guy often referred to as a "human joystick", similar to a Tyreek Hill or a Dante Hall.
He is excellent in the slot, which can be a place of improvement for the Giants with a somewhat aging Sterling Shepard. With the free agency acquisition of John Ross, a record holder for the 40 time at the combine, the Giants got speed, and with this pick, they've solidified that skill set on the offensive side of the ball.
This past season, Toney led Florida in receiving with 70 receptions, 984 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Toney was one of six SEC players with 11 touchdowns in the 2020 regular season (9 receiving, 1 rushing, 1 return).
Toney excelled as a punt returner at Florida with 28 total returns for 471 yards and a touchdown. He can be used on special teams, especially as he's just entering the league it may be a good starting point for the Giants to see how well he can produce on the stage.
Kadarius Toney Provides Explosive Options
I keep going back to Kansas City when I think of Toney, mostly Tyreek Hill, and Mecole Hardman. Both of those players got their big starts on special teams and exploded into being premier wide receivers in the league. If the Giants can get Toney rolling on special teams, they can solidify his standing with the team.
An important thing to note about Toney is that he is prone to injury, and a lot of that can be caused by his recklessness, and inability to understand his size compared to the others on the field. He missed about half of the 2019 season due to injury.
Toney also adds to his tool belt the ability to be a quarterback. In 2018, he was Florida's wildcat quarterback, and this season he contributed a little bit in the passing game with three attempts. It's just another way the Giants and OC Jason Garrett can design trick plays using Toney.
Overall, I love this pick for New York. They needed a speedy wide receiver who hasn't been completely injury-ridden his entire career, (despite missing some of 2019). He gives an insane amount of versatility for New York, something they were desperate for on the offensive side of the ball. The Giants just need to make sure he understands his size compared to other players on the field, and then he'll explode into hopefully become the Giant's most versatile weapon.
