For an ever so brief moment, a trend appeared to be developing when it came to the New York Giants and projections for the 2021 NFL draft. Most mock drafts had been trending towards Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle at No. 11 overall, but things have changed in recent days.

More and more, experts and analysts seem to be switching things up for the Giants and the consensus has gone out the window.

In the latest mock draft from our friend Mark Schofield over at Touchdown Wire, Waddle was already off the board (No. 7 to the Detroit Lions) by the time the Giants were on the clock, so they ended up with Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye.

Patrick Graham relied on sub packages and creativity to generate pressure on opponent passers this season.

Now he can add an EDGE who can generate pressure by winning one-on-one opportunities. Kwity Paye is explosive and athletic, and if you have not seen the video of his three-cone drill, make sure to stop and watch it the next time it floats around on your timeline. That kind of athleticism and cornering skills gives Graham some much-needed flexibility up front for next season.

Paye would be a very solid addition to the Giants’ defense and would fill one of two holes that remain (CB2 is the other), but there’s no denying the team is in more desperate need of offensive playmakers. In this instance, Florida tight end Kyle Pitts and Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith were both still on the board.

Although he would certainly make an impact on Day 1, is Paye a better option for the Giants than Smith or Pitts? That’s a difficult sell.

Of course, if the Giants focus on signing playmakers in free agency, the selection of someone like Paye becomes more realistic. If, however, they focus on defensive pieces in free agency, it all but guarantees Paye is not the pick at No. 11.