With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft: Rashod Bateman leads prospects to watch in Minnesota vs. Michigan

By JD Bagley

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bateman scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 30: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Bateman scored a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Kwity Paye. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan

Add Kwity Paye to the list of NFL caliber edge rushers from Michigan over the last few years that includes Rashan Gary, Josh Uche, Chase Winovich and Aidan Hutchinson who we will get to next. All things considered, Paye might be the best of the bunch. As a member of his high school’s 4×100 state championship track team, he has blazing speed off the edge in comparison to his size.

At 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds, Paye has an elite combination of size and speed that NFL teams will covet. He was listed #1 on Bruce Feldman’s 2020 Freaks List, which is an annual article from Feldman that highlights college football’s rare athletic specimens. Paye has a lot of what you want in a premier edge rusher, but his production has been mildly underwhelming with 9.5 sacks in 22 career games.

Entering his second year as a full time starter, Paye will look to improve those numbers as he teams up with Aidan Hutchinson and Carlos Kemp for a second straight season along Michigan’s defensive line. Look for Paye to translate his other-worldly athletic ability into more consistent on-field production in 2020 as the Wolverines get ready to suit back up for the first time this season.

If he does, Paye could get more first round buzz.

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