NFL.com chooses Kadarius Toney to make Year 2 leap
Kadarius Toney flashed his potential during a two-week stretch last season.
In those two contests, Toney caught an impressive 16 catches for 267 yards, showcasing his impressive ability with the ball in his hands.
NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal chose a candidate from each team to make a leap in 2022, and for the Giants, Toney was the pick.
As Rosenthal writes, "Very few humans have the short-area explosion that Toney showed as a rookie. His stop-and-start ability often made NFL cornerbacks look unathletic. His routes weren't as unrefined as draft analysts feared and many of his best wins were on the outside, in contested-catch situations. He still would be better off moving around the formation and playing often in the slot, which should happen this year."
Toney has a chance to take a big step in his development this season in an offense created by Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
The media recently asked Daboll what he's learned about Toney since being hired earlier this year, in which the head coach was highly complimentary of the second-year receiver.
"He's a good person. He cares about his teammates," head coach Brian Daboll told the media last week. "And we have good communication, him and I. He likes football. He likes music. I think he's a very loyal, a loyal guy. And you got to build trust with KT. And he had to build trust with me. Really no different than a lot of guys. Trust is probably one of the most important things in any relationship you can build. I've told you from day one, I've been very happy with KT, his approach, how he is as a person, first and foremost, because that's what matters to me. We've seen him in college. We evaluated him. He has a tremendous skillset. He's smart. We move him around quite a bit. He's a good young player that we're going to help develop anyway we can both on and off the field."
View the best photos of wide receiver Kadarius Toney's rookie season with the Giants.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after making a catch as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) defends during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) escapes tackle attempts by Dallas Cowboys' Anthony Brown (30) and safety Malik Hooker, bottom right, as Toney gains long yardage after a catch in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) makes a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 44-20. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) catches a pass as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown, bottom, defends in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) makes a leaping catch over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. ((Photo by Matt Strasen/AP Images for Panini))
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal (42) defends as New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) prepares to throw a pass in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs a route during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. The Giants defeated the Saints, 27-21. (Logan Bowles via AP)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up at the line of scrimmage prior to a play during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. The Giants defeated the Saints, 27-21. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up for a play in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up against New Orleans Saints safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries between New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) and cornerback Ken Crawley (25) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs off the line of scrimmage during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 25, 2021 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) makes a catch during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 25, 2021 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up out wide during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 30-29. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16, 2021 in Landover, Md The Washington Football Team beat the New York Giants 30-29. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 30-29. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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Sterling Shepard (3), Kadarius Toney (89)
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Kenny Golladay (19), Kadarius Toney (89)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 10, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 10, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 10, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) arrives for a preseason joint practice with the New England Patriots on Wednesday August 25, 2021 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Receivers shine on pass-heavy day at training camp
Tyrod Taylor first called the play in the huddle for the entire offense and then finished with a message for Darius Slayton.
"I said, 'Hey, you have the route that's going into the end zone right here,'" Taylor said. "'I'm going to give you a chance. You beat your guy, I'm going to give you a chance.'"
When Slayton crossed the goal line, cornerback Khalil Dorsey was standing directly in front of him. That didn't dissuade Taylor, who threw the ball to the left side of the end zone. Slayton made the most of the opportunity, leaping high to catch the ball right above Dorsey's helmet.
"Ty hinted he was going to give me a chance on that play," Slayton said. "Anytime a quarterback kind of hints they're going to give you a chance, you want to come through for them. Wherever it was, I was going to try to go get it. And I was able to go get it on that play."
The completion was one of several big plays turned in by Giants wide receivers in yesterday's practice. Coach Brian Daboll said the emphasis in the workout was third down and 10-plus yards, which made it a heavy passing day. And the wideouts, with help from the quarterbacks' pinpoint passing, had a notable outing.
Giants Fan Fest returns to Metlife Stadium
Free and open to the public, the Giants Fan Fest will feature a Blue & White intrasquad scrimmage, autographs by Giants Legends, and a fireworks show.
