Over the next four weeks WEEI.com will offer up a total of 28 prospects who could be potential Patriots selections in the 2021 NFL Draft. While the top five projected overall prospects – QB Trevor Lawrence, QB Zach Wilson, WR Ja’Marr Chase, TE Kyle Pitts and OT Penei Sewell – won’t be included, all other players at all positions will be considered potential targets for Bill Belichick and his staff. Today we stick with the defensive side of the ball for a look at an edge defender with freakish physical tools.
Kwity Paye
Edge Michigan
6-2, 261
Resume: Paye was born in a refugee camp in Guinea before emigrating to the United States when he was six months old and subsequently growing up in Rhode Island. … Paye led Bishop Hendricken High School to a state title while earning Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a pass rusher and running back. He originally committed to Boston College before following defensive coordinator Don Brown to Michigan. … After seeing limited action as a freshman for the Wolverines, Paye developed into an Academic All-Big Ten selection, Second-Team All-Big Ten player and team captain. … His best season came in 2019 when he started all 12 games, finishing with 6.5 sacks and a team-best 12.5 tackles for a loss.
… Due to COVID and injury, Paye played in just four games in 2020, notching a pair of sacks and four tackles for a loss in the four starts as a still very disruptive force on the edge. … Declined an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Pre-Draft Buzz: Paye showed off his freakish physical tools at Michigan’s pro day, including a 4.57 40 time. … Paye has the combination of size, quickness and motor to wreak havoc off the edge. … The problem is that he’s still raw, lacks refined pass-rush techniques and his production doesn’t necessarily match his talent. … Showed his versatility at Michigan rushing off the edge, bumping inside and even dropping at times. … NFL.com writes that Paye has only “good” film, even though he may have great traits. … NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah mocks Paye to the Cowboys with the No. 10 overall pick. … The Athletic notes that Paye’s coaches praise him for his “all-out” playing style. … The Ringer compares Paye to Vikings and Cowboys Pro Bowl pass rusher Everson Griffen. … Generally considered one of the top edge defenders in the 2021 Draft and likely top-15 pick.
Why Paye fits the Patriots’ needs: More than just his ties to the area would seem to make Paye a potential fit in New England. First, he brings elite tools to the football field in terms of his measurables. Second, he comes from a Michigan/Brown defense that has produced a number of Patriots front seven defenders in Josh Uche and Chase Winovich. Third, Belichick is always on the lookout for talented, versatile defensive options. Finally, Paye may just end up being the best player available at No. 15 overall depending on how the first round shakes out come draft night. Put it all together and Paye is a prospect to keep an eye on with a chance at landing back at home in New England.