Kwity Paye has put his name in contention for EDGE1
Coming into the season, it became a bit evident that the pass rusher class was a one the weaker side. However, Michigan senior Kwity Paye is just one of the players at the position to take a leap this year, giving their 2021 NFL Draft stock a massive boost.
Just a three star recruit out of Rhode Island nearly four years ago, Paye has developed into a star off the edge of the Wolverines’ defense. Paye is known for his other-worldy athletic ability, anchoring his track team’s 4×100 meter dash in high school, and rumored to run an electric three-cone drill as well. All impressive feats for a man listed at 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds.
Looking to follow Rashan Gary as a potential first round pass rusher out of Ann Arbor, both Paye and his running mate Aidan Hutchinson (who suffered a season-ending injury) look to hear their names called in the top-32 this April.
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Looking at the box score
Over the past two seasons, Paye has been racking up the stats in the box score for the Wolverines, coming off of a season with six sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in Ann Arbor. This season, Paye has one of the highest pressure rates in the country, and has tallied four tackles for loss and two sacks in just four games in 2020.
Here we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of Paye as the 2020 season dwindles to the end of the line. What does Paye bring to the table, and what is his 2021 NFL Draft outlook at this point in the process?
Where Kwity Paye wins
Going all the way back to his high school track days, Paye is quite a fluid athlete. This is impressive for a number of reasons, and not just the fact that he is listed at nearly 280 pounds. His acceleration is extraordinary, displaying to go 0-to-100 in little time as he tracks down opposing quarterbacks off the edge. Paye possesses nice bend off the edge to be able to turn tight corners as he runs the circle. That rumored three-cone time is evident on film.
Not only does Paye have good speed for his size, but his functional play strength is right up to par where it should be as well. Paye has the ability to dig his heels in when holding the point of attack, refusing to compromise the edge in contain. His strength is evident by his ability to thrive from a multitude of looks, as he has played from the one-technique to the wide-nine for the Wolverines this season.
In run support, Paye excels at moving laterally down the line of scrimmage in pursuit of the ball carrier. His motor is off the charts as he will not let a play rest until he hears a whistle. Paye puts his track speed on display as he is on the hunt in backside pursuit as well.
There is a ton to like about the play of Kwity Paye, however, where can he show room for growth with the 2021 NFL Draft on the horizon?
Where he shows room for improvement
Paye, however, is not a perfect pass rushing prospect or the sure-fire EDGE1 in the 2021 NFL Draft class. There are elements to his game where he can prove that he has gotten better before the draft, despite the likelihood that his career is over with the Wolverines. The starting place for this conversation begins with his first step off the line of scrimmage.
While his explosiveness and acceleration are at the top of the class, Paye has the ability to get off the ball quicker, as Hutchinson has frequently got him beat off the snap. If he can combine his explosiveness with an elite first step, he will be even more difficult of opposing offensive tackles to wrangle in as he goes hunting.
Another area Paye has room to develop is in the use of his hands and with the ability to put a plan of attack together pre-snap. Paye possesses a great hand swipe and push/pull move off the edge, however he lacks a consistent plan and relies too heavily on his on his athleticism and instincts instead of technique.
As this report on Paye comes to a conclusion, what does his 2021 NFL Draft outlook look like?
What is his 2021 NFL Draft outlook?
In an edge rusher class that is slim at the top, Paye has the opportunity to be the first edge rusher off the board. Teams could opt for the highly-productive pass rusher Gregory Rousseau, who opted out after a 15.5 sacks season with the Miami Hurricanes. Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari is also having as insane season for the Bulldogs as well, putting himself in position to be the first edge rusher off the board as well.
Paye’s draft stock will likely take another rise after the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine, where he will have a chance to confirm the explosiveness and speed that has been whispered about for so long. Should he go to Indianapolis, Indiana early in 2021 and absolutely wow NFL teams both on the field and in meetings, then look for Paye’s floor to be the midway point in the first round. He was mocked to the Dallas Cowboys in the top-10 in our latest mock draft.
Zack Patraw at The Dynasty Draft Room gives his insight into Paye:
"“He has a lot of power that’s initiated by his natural leverage. He has a good first step and a good burst off the snap. I wouldn’t say he’s over athletic with a lot of bend, but there is some bend to get excited about. I see more explosiveness and agility than he’s given credit for. He can take tight paths to the backfield and create havoc early.”"
Some team fits in the NFL for Paye, along with the Cowboys, include the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and the Los Angeles Chargers. Three of these four teams mentioned are currently slated to pick in the top-10 of the 2021 NFL Draft, giving the Michigan edge rusher quiet a lovely looking outlook by the time April rolls around.