2021 NFL Draft: What should the Giants do with the 11th overall pick?

Option 2: Select the best pass rusher on the board

While receiver is a massive need for the offense, what could be even more pressing is the lack of a premiere pass rusher in the EDGE group for the Giants. This season, defensive lineman Leonard Williams led the team in sacks with 11.5, which is the most by a New York Giant since Jason Pierre-Paul in 2014.

That is incredibly impressive for an interior lineman, but it showed just how barren the EDGE spot was for New York. Big Blue’s leading sack artist from the EDGE group was Kyler Fackrell, who managed a mere 4 sacks in just 12 games played this year. The next player behind him was Markus Golden, who was traded midseason, with only 1.5 sacks.

The EDGE spot is not as clear-cut with premium talent as the receiver position, but there are some very skilled players that should be readily available at pick 11. Kwity Paye, the Michigan EDGE, seems to be the most logical fit for New York given his versatility and usage in Ann Arbor. He’s played with his hand in the dirt and from a two-point stance, rushing from the 7-tech all the way to inside.

Next to Paye, there’s Miami rusher Gregory Rousseau, who has been mocked to the Giants before, and Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari, who gained some fans with his exceptional Peach Bowl performance. All three players are fantastic options with the Giants’ first selection, and they will no doubt gain more fans once they post their workout numbers. Each player would add a significant athlete to the EDGE rush for New York.