New York Giants had major competition for Kadarius Toney, making his selection even better

To the surprise of everybody, New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman executed a trade back in the 2021 NFL draft, moving nine selections and acquiring future draft capital. Overall, with the 11th overall pick, he walked away with a first-rounder in 2022, a fourth round pick, fifth round pick, and Florida Playmaker Kadarius Toney at 20th overall.

Toney goes by many names, some being the “human joystick,” “human highlight reel,” and more. His talents in the open field are unparalleled, utilizing quick-twitch abilities to spot on a dime and lower his center of gravity to remain upright and churning out yards.

However, the Giants had plenty of competition for Toney, even though they selected him at 20. Clearly, they had knowledge that he wouldn’t last until the second round, so they elected to take him a bit prematurely, but it could end up being a fantastic move.

There were three teams that had an interest in Kadarius, including the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens. The Packers and Jaguars were both very vocal about their interest in the stand-out slot receiver.

Green Bay Packers:

Bob McGinn of The Athletic reports also stated that the Packers were interested in moving up to acquire Toney:

This year, Gutekunst resisted the temptation to trade up for Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney, a player the Packers were extremely high on. He went No. 20 to the Giants.

The Packers had their fingers crossed that Toney might fall to them because there was a passel of other slot receivers with similar ratings. The Giants ended that plan by taking the explosive wide receiver.

Jacksonville Jaguars:

“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.”

Baltimore Ravens:

While Baltimore wasn’t as vocal about their interest, many had him mocked to them with the 31st overall pick. As a player who racked up 1,145 yards and 11 touchdowns last season in his senior year, he has all the tangible traits you want in a receiver.

At 6-feet tall, he has adequate size and fantastic speed to make plays in the open field. He ever rarely ever goes down on first contact and is what Gettleman would call a “touchdown maker.”

Considering all these teams were praying he would fall, the Giants likely walked away with an instant playmaker and threat on day 1 for a rebuilt offense.