When the New York Giants traded back in Round 1 of the 2021 NFL draft and then used the 20th overall pick on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, there was some immediate skepticism.
Some believed the Giants had reached for Toney, while others criticized general manager Dave Gettleman for making a “panic move.” But retired NFL wideout and current NFL analyst, Nate Burleson, is not one of those people.
In fact, Burleson had been pounding the drum for Toney even prior to the NFL draft. So when the Florida receiver ultimately landed with the Giants, Burleson was first up to call it a steal.
After that draft had concluded, Burleson took is a step further, claiming Toney was the biggest steal of the entire first round.
“New York landed a major steal at pick No. 20,” Burleson said. “You can literally use [Toney] everywhere — outside, inside, backfield and you can use him on special teams. . . You guys got a playmaker that fits your system.”
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer certainly agrees with Burleson’s take, admitting over the weekend that losing out on Toney to the Giants broke the organization’s heart.
On Thursday, Urban Meyer said on the ESPN Draft broadcast that a player was taken before their selection at 25 that "broke our heart" to not be able to pick.
Today, he revealed that player was new Giants WR Kadarius Toney. Such a dynamic player.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 1, 2021
“I’ve gotten to know him over the last couple weeks and obviously my connection with [Gators] coach [Dan] Mullen and those guys,” Meyer told ESPN. “You watch [Toney] play, he’s a human highlight reel.”
No, the Giants did not land Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith, but Toney, a 2022 first-round pick and a 2022 fourth-round pick is the better overall haul.
