The Indianapolis Colts selected Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye with the 21st pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday.
Paye has an incredible backstory, where his mother fled Liberia and wound up in Rhode Island where she raised her sons in a tough financial situation. Paye began playing football his sophomore year of high school and became a star, earning a scholarship to Michigan where he played four years for the Wolverines and was named a team captain his senior season.
He played in only four games of a shortened season last year, though, missing two games due to injury.
Measurables: 6'4"/272
School: Michigan
2020 stats: 4 games, 16 tackles (12 unassisted), 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
Accolades: 2020 Second-team All-Big Ten; Three-time Academic All-Big Ten
Strengths:
• Work ethic and leadership
• Tremendous athletic ability, agile and explosive
• Quick, powerful hands
• Strong run defender
• Intangibles
Weaknesses:
• Raw
• Developing instincts
• Lacks pass rush plan (counter and creativity)
• Slow to read misdirections, screens
Expert scout analysis: "Paye was a terrific football player for Michigan and is an outstanding story off the field. He’s athletic with speed as well as solid playing strength, and Paye comes with a large upside. I envision him being used at defensive end in a four-man line as well as occasionally standing up over tackle to rush the passer. Paye will only improve as he physically matures and adds bulk to his frame." - Tony Pauline, ProFootballNetwork
Tape:
Player comparisons: Brian Orakpo (Eric Edholm); Emmanuel Ogbah (Lance Zeirlein); Justin Tuck (Charlie Campbell)
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