New York Giants 2021 Draft Recap

The New York Giants GM, Dave Gettleman, set out what seems like this whole offseason, on getting Daniel Jones something to work with. Gettleman was able to add more offensive weapons all while adding draft picks for the future while at it.

Thanks to these moves, Giants fans have something to be excited about for just one second which seems like it’s been forever since we had that. From adding a pair of potential starters on both sides of the ball to moving back and getting a haul from the Chicago Bears which includes a future first and fourth-round pick, we saw it all from Gettleman.

Time to meet the newest additions for the 2021 season.

Round 1, pick No. 20, Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Gettleman deserves high praise for acquiring a first-round pick in 2022 and still getting a playmaker later in the first round. 

Kadarius Toney is a nice addition and offers plenty of speed and explosiveness from the slot. Toney averaged 13.5 yards after catch at Florida while catching 12 touchdowns through 2 years. But it is fair to at last think about what he has over receivers like Rashod Bateman, who went 7 picks later to the Ravens, or Elijah Moore who was taken by the Jets with the first pick of the second round.

However, it is still good for the Giants to add another playmaker in a year that Gettleman wants to max out Daniel Jones’s potential. Toney will fit in the Giants’ offense just fine and will provide the speed that they lack with Kenny Golladay likely being the No. 1 receiver.

Round 2, pick No. 50, Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

The Giants entered the draft in dire need of a pass rusher. After the top 4 pass rushers were all interior lineman in 2020, the Giants were able to walk away with one of the highest graded players at his position.

Azeez Ojulari, who is coming off a season at Georgia with 8.5 sacks and 36 total pressures, should have no problem finding his way to the top of the Giants’ pass-rush rotation this season. Ojulari generated pressure on more than 20 percent of the snaps he played last season. He is very athletic for his position and shows a lot of potential in his pass rush moves.

The Giants were very lucky Ojulari slid to the 50th pick because a lot of Giants fans can make the argument that they could’ve taken him with the 20th pick. This is another selection Gettleman should be very happy about.

Round 3, pick No. 71, Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF

Picking a cornerback anywhere in the draft for some reason always seems like the safest pick and obviously, depth in the secondary remained a need. The Giants traded up in round three to get Aaron Robinson, a very versatile cornerback.

Robinson stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 190 pounds, he could fit best covering the slot based on his physicality and ability to make plays against the run. It wouldn’t be a shock to see defensive coordinator Patrick Grahm put Robinson on the field being used on a corner blitz.

Last season, Robinson broke up 9 passes, and his ball skills will become a good addition in the secondary, there is a good chance Robinson even takes the starting job in the slot replacing Sam Beal. An interesting position battle to look out for.

Round 4, pick No. 117, Elerson Smith, EDGE, Northern Iowa

Elerson Smith, who stands at 6-foot-7 and weighs 262 pounds, is one of the longer prospects at his position, might be one of the more explosive ones as well.

Based on Grahams scheme, he’s likely gonna see most of his snaps at outside linebacker. His versatility on the edge and at linebacker will be a plus for the Giants defense, who could use another linebacker.

Smith says he prefers to use power rush moves but has a repertoire of other moves to fight off opposing offensive tackles. If Graham can harness Smith’s athleticism along with his strength, he has the potential to make an impact in the Giants’ front 7.

Round 6, pick No. 196, Gary Brightwell, RB, Arizona

Adding depth behind Saquon Barkley and Devontae Booker was most likely on Gettleman’s shopping list. He picked up a very intriguing running back in Brightwell.

Last season, before declaring for the draft, Brightwell averaged 4.4 yards per carry on 88 rushes for 390 yards in 5 games. Brightwell will bring more speed to the Giants’ offense and when needed, is very explosive with the ball in his hands.

Brightwell traditionally is the type of runner who wants it all on every play. If he can learn to slow down, take what defenders give him, and lower his shoulder instead of looking for the extra cutback he’ll have no problem finding himself snaps throughout the season