Mel Kiper mock draft: Giants get Jaylen Waddle in Kiper’s final mock draft

Figures. In their final mock drafts, ESPN gurus Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. have come to vastly different conclusions on what the New York Giants will do on Thursday night with the 11th overall pick.

Chris wrote earlier about McShay choosing Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye at No. 11. Chris makes it clear that while Paye profiles as a good player, he might not be the best pick or best fit for the Giants. I tend to agree. I don’t see the potential for dynamic, game-changing impact.

Different story with Kiper’s choice for the Giants. Kiper went with Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Paye went 18th to Miami. DeVonta Smith went to the Dolphins at No. 6.

Kiper’s explanation is simple:

Waddle just makes too much sense as a weapon who can take Daniel Jones to the next level. He is an elite playmaker.

I tend to agree. I have been clear all along that I prefer Waddle to Smith because of the home-run hitting upside, as both a receiver and returner. Not to mention, Smith’s being 166 pounds concerns me.

Some point to Marvin Harrison for an example of a smaller receiver succeeding, but Harrison was 185 pounds. Smith is a tremendous talent, but if you take him at No. 11 you are betting on an outlier. I would understand it if the Giants go in that direction, it just wouldn’t be my favorite choice.