New York Giants’ 20th overall pick Kadarius Toney has found himself in an interesting position ahead of the first regular-season game on September 12. Having yet to take any live reps during practice and appear in a preseason game, Toney is still reportedly dealing with COVID-19 drawbacks, having recovered but not fully gained his stamina back.
Toney has endured a bumpy first training camp in the NFL, but according to Tom Rock of Newsday, the Giants are optimistic he will be available for their Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Kadarius Toney will not play in Sunday's preseason finale, I'm told, but Giants are very optimistic he will be ready for Week 1 vs. Broncos. https://t.co/TYN0G1A6Dq
— Tom Rock (@TomRock_Newsday) August 28, 2021
The number of things the Giants can do with Toney on offense is not even conceivable. Lining him up next to Saquon Barkley in the backfield or utilizing him as a gadget player are just two creative ways the Florida product can make an impact moving forward.
Last season with the Gators, Toney recorded 1,145 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. With a unique center of gravity and unexplainable balance, Toney runs like Alvin Kamara but catches passes like a true receiver. The versatile pass-catcher is an extremely unique style of player, and most would look at the Giants’ offensive scheme and wonder how on earth they will manage to extract the most value from the rookie.
However, all we can do is wait and see after the Giants hired Russ Callaway from LSU and elevated Freddie Kitchens to a senior advisor role on offense. Hopefully, that was enough to spur a bit more creativity and imagination with the playbook.
To overcome a strong Denver defense, the Giants are going to need all of their premium weapons. The expectation that Kadarius will be available is a huge bonus for Daniel Jones. After 2020’s embarrassment, Jones can use all the moving pieces he can possibly muster.
The Giants have one position battle unfolding:
Speaking of pass-catchers and weapons, two receivers who are battling for a roster spot are Dante Pettis and David Sills. Two different styles of catchers, Pettis offers a more speedy option compared to Sills, who stands at 6’4″ and has presented himself as a great red zone threat this off-season. Pettis is the only one of the two to have legitimate experience in the NFL, with 652 yards and a touchdown to his name over three seasons. He played two games with the Giants toward the end of the 2020 campaign, hauling in four receptions for 76 yards and a score.
Sills, on the other hand, followed Daniel Jones around the country this off-season, presenting him with a pair of hands to connect with. That type of work ethic is noticed by head coach Joe Judge, who commended him for his desire to improve.
At this point, Sills has a slight advantage over Pettis, but Sunday’s preseason game against the New England Patriots should give us a final answer. Luckily for both receivers, Kenny Golladay, Toney, and Kyle Rudolph will all be absent, giving secondary options more reps to work with.