The New York Giants traded down in the first round of the draft for the first time in 15 years.
When opportunity knocks, open the door and welcome it in with lemonade. That’s exactly how the first round of the draft unfolded for the G-Men.
It all started when division rivals the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys swapped the 10th and 12th picks. The Eagles moved up and took wide receiver Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.
Many predicted Smith landing with the Giants at No. 11. With him off the board, along with quarterbacks Justin Fields and Mac Jones still available, the possibilities began to grow.
Two quarterback-needy teams, Chicago and New England, emerged as potential trading partners for New York. Ultimately it was the Bears ready to do business and trade up.
In doing so, the Giants moved back to Chicago’s spot at No. 20 and selected Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney.
The pick gets quarterback Daniel Jones more help on offense. It also netted a big score for the Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman. Big Blue picked up the Bears’ first-round choice this year and next, a fifth-round pick this year and a fourth-rounder in 2022.
The Bears moved up to get Fields and Jones landed with the Patriots at No. 15.
Great grab for the Bears and Patriots, and Gettlemen wins with the return of future draft picks. Now, what do we know about Toney?
Speed and versatility. Toney led the Gators’ potent offense with 70 receptions for 984 yards (14.1 per) while scoring 10 touchdowns (tied for seventh most in the FBS). He also contributed as a runner and returner, both with success.
Toney joins an offensive core that features free-agent signing Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, along with tight end Evan Engram and expected-to-return running back Saquon Barkley.
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.
It also marked the first time Gettleman has traded down as a general manager.
“I’ve tried in the past,” the 70-year-old executive said in a pre-draft conference call last week. “Honest, I’ve tried to trade back, but it’s got to be value. I’m not getting fleeced. I refuse to do it.”
Well, he made sure he didn’t get fleeced on this one.
Image: Kadarius Toney – AP Photo/John Raoux, Pool
