Since late in 2020, Pro Football Focus has mocked Miami edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, Alabama wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, and Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell to the New York Giants.
No two PFF mock drafts have been the same for Big Blue, which is saying something when so many others are basically on repeat (see: Waddle and Rousseau). Luckily, they kept that trend going this week with yet another new name going to the Giants in Round 1.
11. NEW YORK GIANTS: EDGE KWITY PAYE, MICHIGAN
The Giants struck gold last offseason with the acquisition of James Bradberry in free agency, and there was some temptation to take another corner here to fortify a strength. However, given the value proposition of elite edge players taken high in the draft relative to what they are paid as veterans at the top end, Paye is an athletic bet the Giants need to make here to secure their first elite edge defender in quite some time.
Although we’ve seen Paye mocked to the Giants several times before, this is the first time PFF has him headed to East Rutherford.
Even more interesting is that PFF made this pick with Rousseau still on the board, which will undoubtedly lead to some interesting debate. For many, Paye is considered secondary to Rousseau, while others are concerned with Rousseau’s lack of experience and his decision to opt out of the 2020 season.
However, the larger concern for the Giants isn’t necessarily which of the two is better, but are they good enough to pass on an offensive playmaker? That is very clearly the team’s biggest weakness and an area that absolutely must be addressed.
