New York Giants alternate universe: Passing on Kadarius Toney in 2021 NFL draft
During the 2021 NFL draft, in a shocking turn of events, New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman traded back from pick No. 11 to No. 20 in a swap with the Bears that landed quarterback Justin Fields in Chicago.
The selection of wide receiver Kadarius Toney at pick No. 20 that followed was one of the more regrettable picks in recent memory for the Giants.
Bleacher Report recently released a list re-drafting every team's worst pick over the last five years, and in this alternate universe, the Giants had a chance for a do-over. Instead of Toney, they selected offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw.
Original Pick: WR Kadarius Toney at No. 20 (2021)
This one was a bit of a toss-up between offensive lineman Evan Neal (2022) and Toney, but Neal is at least still on the roster and will likely play out his rookie contract with the Giants.
Meanwhile, Toney played in just 12 games for New York, making five starts and posting a stat line of 41 catches, 420 yards and three touchdowns.
The wideout was traded in October of his second season and won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he wasn't a major factor in the Chiefs offense and is currently not on an NFL roster.
New Pick: OT Christian Darrisaw (originally 23rd by the Minnesota Vikings)
The rationale for the new pick here is the domino effect it would have created. With Andrew Thomas and Darrisaw at offensive tackle, the Giants wouldn't have taken Neal at No. 7 the following year and then, essentially, would be able to exchange Toney for Drake London, Garrett Wilson or Chris Olave.
Toney most certainly had the talent to be a contributor on an NFL team, both as a wide receiver and as a returner. Still, he was too much of a headache and did not complete his sophomore season before the Giants parted ways.
Toney won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns, where his tenure is somewhat comical as he was elevated to the active roster for one game, where he muffed a punt and was called for a taunting penalty before his release days later.
Subbing Darrisaw in place of Toney would have given the Giants two really nice pieces at tackle. It's interesting to think about the possibility of the Giants having a formidable offensive line while they still had Saquon Barkley on the roster.
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