Giants trade 11th pick to Bears, take Florida WR Toney at 20
Dave Gettleman traded down in the first round for the first time in his long career as a general manager, and the New York Giants found help for quarterback Daniel Jones and came away with draft assets for this year and next.
After dropping nine spots in a surprising trade with Chicago Bears on Thursday night, the Giants drafted Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney with the 20th pick overall and gained three extra picks, including first and fourthrounders in 2022.
“It was too good an opportunity,” the 70-year-old Gettleman said. “It had too much value. And we felt very comfortable with where our board was. We felt comfortable with who who would be there, who would be available in that slot.”
The Giants’ deal with the Bears came right after Philadelphia and Dallas swapped the 10th and 12th picks. The Eagles took Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, the Alabama wide receiver who many predicted would be taken by New York.
“They made the trade and and we decided to trade back at that point,” Gettleman said.
In addition to the firstround picks this year and next, the Giants got a fifthround pick this year and a fourth-rounder in 2022. Chicago picked Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields.
Next year’s draft is expected to be deep because many college players have decided to stay in school since the NCAA did not count this past season as part of their eligibility.
Toney, who can change direction at top speed, is more versatile than polished as a receiver. He was a dual-threat quarterback during his final two seasons of high school. He had 70 catches for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season.
“He has excellent athletic ability,” said Chris Pettit, the Giants director of college scouting. “He’s versatile. That’s what we like about him. But like every player in the draft, he’s raw. Every player in this draft and every draft has to develop into a pro. So it’ll take some time. But this guy is a playmaker with the ball in his hands.”
While Toney had a good season, he was overshadowed somewhat by Gator tight end Kyle Pitts, who went fourth overall to Atlanta.
“I just did what I had to do when I had to do it,” Toney said.
The last time the Giants made a trade in the first round was with Pittsburgh in 2006. New York dropped from 25 to 32 and selected Boston College defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, who was part of two Super Bowl championship teams with New York.
The Giants head into Friday’s second and third rounds still needing an edge rusher, a cornerback and a guard.
The Giants were among the most aggressive teams during free agency last month, signing 16 players. The big money was spent on playmaking wide receiver Kenny Golladay and cornerback Adoree Jackson.
New York created cap space by releasing guard Kevin Zeitler and receiver Golden Tate and renegotiating a couple contracts, most notably that of tackle tackle Nate Solder, who opted out last season.