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Raiders: 3 options with the 17th overall pick in 2021 NFL Draft

By Timothy Rodriguez

Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach John Gruden looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach John Gruden looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Raiders could target Kwity Paye. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

If the Raiders truly are embracing a “Seattle Cover-3” type of defense, then they need that proptopical “big end” to fill the Michael Bennet role. Well, here he is. At 6-foot-4 and 277 pounds, Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye is a force coming around the edge with a great combination of size, power, and athleticism.

The Raiders have some interesting pieces up front, but no definitive long term starters. Former top five pick Clelin Ferrell has been a disappointment so far relative to his draft status. Maxx Crosby has seen a slight dip in his production following a stellar and surprising rookie season. Free agent signing Carl Nassib can be moved either this off-season or the next one.

Paye has the potential to be the first domino to fall for a transformation on that defense. An average defense likely would have taken the Raiders to the Wild Card, given that they had a top ten scoring offense. Will he be a JJ Watt type of defensive player of the year candidate? Probably not, but he profiles as a really good “big end” that plays well against the run and rushes the passer with ferocity.

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The big question that comes with Paye is whether or not he’s going to be available at pick 17. If he’s going to be the top edge rusher on some teams’ boards, then it is highly unlikely that 16 teams are going to pass on him. If more teams prefer Miami’s Gregory Rousseau, the Raiders may be able to nab Paye as he slips

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