Kadarius Toney's success on deep routes
The Giants boosted their offense in the first round of this year's NFL Draft, selecting Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney in addition to acquiring Chicago's first-round pick in next year's draft.
Toney put together an impressive senior campaign at Florida last year. The 6-foot receiver played in 11 games and reeled in 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns. Toney also carried the ball 19 times for 161 yards (8.5 avg.) and one touchdown.
Pro Football Focus recently highlighted Toney's success on deep routes while at Florida. As the analytics site notes, 10.7 percent of the receiver's targets were on passes 20+ yards downfield. On those plays, Toney graded an incredible 99.6 with a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted.
Toney joins Kenny Golladay, Kyle Rudolph and John Ross as the additions the Giants made in the passing game this offseason. Those four, along with Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Evan Engram, help make up a group that was recently named one of the most intriguing position groups in the league.
Last month, PFF ranked the top deep threats in the league and Golladay came in at No. 3 on the list. The presence of Toney and Golladay could lead to more explosiveness in Big Blue's offense, as earlier this offseason, Next Gen Stats named Daniel Jones the top deep passer in the NFL.
View some of the best photos of Kadarius Toney's first few months as a member of the Giants.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
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.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
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.
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
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
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.
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.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
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.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
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.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
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.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
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.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
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
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
WR Kadarius Toney (89)
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 receivers Kadarius Toney (89) and Sterling Shepard (3) 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) talks with New York Giants head coach Joe Judge during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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 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 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 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) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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 Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 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 head coach Joe Judge talks with 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) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday May 15, 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) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 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) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 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
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
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 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) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) takes part during a NFL minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday May 14, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Mailbag: Options at RG, Darius Slayton's role
Guy in Florida: What possible candidates are on the roster to play right guard? I am particularly interested in Kyle Murphy and the two undrafted rookies the Giants signed in May.
John Schmeelk: At this point there isn't much to say about undrafted free agents Brett Heggie and Jake Burton because there haven't been any padded practices yet to see how they can perform against NFL-caliber defensive linemen. Heggie started 31 games at the University of Florida over five years, starting 15 games at left guard, four at right guard, and 12 at center. In his redshirt senior season, he started all 12 games at center and most analysts consider him a center. Jake Burton played his graduate transfer season at Baylor and started his final eight games at right guard. From 2018-2019, Burton started 23 of 24 games at right guard for UCLA. Murphy was an undrafted free agent from Rhode Island in 2020. He started his final 21 games at Rhode Island as a left tackle but also logged nine starts at left guard, five at right tackle and one at center in his four collegiate seasons.
Then there are veterans Will Hernandez, Zach Fulton, Jonotthan Harrison, Kenny Wiggins, and Chad Slade. There's also a chance many of these same players will have a chance to compete with Shane Lemieux at left guard, as well.
Jeffrey in Connecticut: What role do you think Darius Slaton will have in the receiving corps?
John Schmeelk: Slayton is probably the fastest player of the Giants' top four receivers (Sterling Shepard, Kadarius Toney, Kenny Golladay) and has already accomplished much on the outside as a pro. Teams need big plays to score consistently and with the attention of defenses directed elsewhere, Slayton could be a big-play threat. He may not get 70 or 80 catches, but his catches will be impactful and help the team get the ball in the end zone.
Jim in Texas: A recent article listed Sterling Shepard among the possible punt returners. Why not Dante Pettis? He's right up there with the most productive NCAA punt returners of all time. Pettis is fast, tough and has really good hands.
John Schmeelk: If Pettis makes the final roster, he will have an opportunity to compete for that spot given his skill set and history of success there. You can expect rookie Kadarius Toney to have every opportunity to contribute as a returner, especially since he will be splitting time at wide receiver. Newly acquired John Ross, if healthy, could get an opportunity, too. Jabrill Peppers is also a very talented return man. So it would be surprising if Shepard was anything more than an emergency option.
View photos of the New York Giants' active 53-man roster as it currently stands.
RB Saquon Barkley
RB Devontae Booker
CB James Bradberry
G Ben Bredeson
RB Gary Brightwell
LB Lorenzo Carter
WR Pharoh Cooper
DB Keon Crossen
LB Tae Crowder
OT Korey Cunningham
P Riley Dixon
TE Evan Engram
QB Jake Fromm
K Graham Gano
FB Cullen Gillaspia
QB Mike Glennon
WR Kenny Golladay
G Will Hernandez
DT Austin Johnson
WR Collin Johnson
DL Raymond Johnson III
QB Daniel Jones
LS Casey Kreiter
DL Dexter Lawrence
DB Julian Love
G Wes Martin
LB Benardrick McKinney
S Xavier McKinney
TE Chris Myarick
LB Azeez Ojulari
DB Steven Parker
OT Matt Peart
FB Elijhaa Penny
C Billy Price
LB Reggie Ragland
DB J.R. Reed
LB Quincy Roche
TE Kyle Rudolph
DB Logan Ryan
DT Danny Shelton
WR Sterling Shepard
OL Matt Skura
WR Darius Slayton
LB Elerson G. Smith
OT Nate Solder
OT Andrew Thomas
DT Leonard Williams
Giants Huddle | Oshane Ximines, Tae Crowder and Blake Martinez
John Schmeelk is joined on the Giants Huddle podcast by linebackers Blake Martinez, Tae Crowder and Oshane Ximines to discuss the upcoming season and their prospects.
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0:36 Oshane Ximines
4:06 Tae Crowder
7:35 Blake Martinez
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