New York Giants: Top first-round 2021 NFL Draft targets
By Evan Orris
2. Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan
The Giants’ defensive line was led by Leonard Williams this season. Leonard led the team with 11.5 sacks this season. His franchise tag is up this offseason, and even if the Giants are able to sign him to a long term deal, Kwity Paye could be a nice compliment to him.
While Williams relies on his power moves to get into the backfield, Paye is more known for his quick burst and speed. Paye ran in the 4×100 meter relay for his high school. That relay team won the state championship.
Paye is as explosive as they come. But, with a 6-foot-4, 272-pound frame, he has the technique and hand placement to shed the block and chase down opponents. With only 11.5 sacks in 28 career games, Paye is not going to impress in the box score. However, Giants fans shouldn’t fear, Paye disrupts the backfield at an alarming pace. In his Michigan career, Paye racked up 97 tackles and 23.5 tackles for loss.
With defenses shifting their focus to Williams, this could free up Paye to get to the quarterback with ease. The New York Giants and Kwity Paye could be an ideal pairing in this year’s draft.