NFL Draft 2021: Michigan’s Kwity Paye could have major impact on NY Giants

Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (Image via Detroit Free Press)
Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye (Image via Detroit Free Press) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The NY Giants must bolster the pass-rush if the defense is going to elevate to a higher level in 2021, but have limited cap space to do it, facing further onus on hitting only early picks in next month’s NFL Draft.

Slated to pick No. 11 overall, with plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Giants prioritize taking a pass rusher in the first-round, especially if either Leonard Williams and/or Dalvin Tomlinson depart via free agency.

Pro Football Focus believes Michigan’s Kwity Paye could make a significant impact on Patrick Graham’s defense, and projected the NY Giants to select the edge rusher in Round 1:

"The Giants’ cumulative grade for their edge players last season was 57.8, 28th in the league. Paye’s grade over the previous two seasons is 86.8"

Paye has certainly been productive for the Wolverines, producing 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss the past two seasons.

According to PFF, Paye has an 87.1 pass-rush grade, with a 26.5 pass-rush win rate, in the 90th percentile among the top edge rusher prospects in this year’s draft class.

One of the major questions that NY Giants GM Dave Gettleman, head coach Joe Judge, and the front office must weigh whether adding a playmaker to quarterback Daniel Jones’ arsenal is more important than bolstering the pass-rush, in Round 1. If the organization prioritizes the pass-rush, Paye could be tough to pass up.

Next. Playmakers galore in Giants latest 7-round mock draft. dark

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.