2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Kwity Paye, 2021 NFL mock draft (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Giants get defensive at No. 11

11. New York Giants: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

There are teams every year that analysts, experts, and so on struggle to project for when it comes to mock drafts and the NFL Draft in general. One such team for me in 2021 is the New York Giants; and a big reason why is their draft position.

Prior to inking Kenny Golladay to a monster contract in free agency, my inclination would’ve been to give them DeVonta Smith in this spot. That’s no longer the case, even if he’s a much different receiver. Now my attention turns to their biggest need, which is an edge presence on the defense.

If that’s the case, general manager Dave Gettleman is going to take Kwity Paye. He’s not going to trade down unless he breaks away from everything we know about him. And in that light, we know he loves his big bodies on the defensive line and Paye fits that bill with terrific size, explosiveness and upside.

To be sure, Jaelan Phillips is my top pass-rusher in this class. But you have to think about the team and who is doing the drafting. Gettleman favors Paye over Phillips 9-out-of-10 times in my book, which is why the Michigan man comes off the board here.

Who I Would Pick: Jaelan Phillips

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