Kwity Paye 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Kwity Paye

Position: Edge-Rusher

College: Michigan

Height: 6’2 1/2”

Weight: 261 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 19 overall
Position Rank: EDGE2

Strengths: A 2020 team captain, Paye is an explosive athlete with the strength, burst and agility of an NFL starter. A prospect rooted more in potential than production, Paye was moved around the Michigan defensive line on a matchup basis and has big-time versatility in his game. He’s quick off the line with the lower body twitch needed to beat NFL pass blockers. His short-area quickness, agility, body control and balance as legendary in terms of testing times. He’s a quick mover who can shake blockers in space and has easy moving hips. Paye is loaded with potential that must be developed, which means he could see a role as a situational player early in his career, but there are starter traits here waiting to be unlocked.

Weaknesses: Paye lacks ideal height and length (33” arms) for some schemes. He’s more of an athlete than technician at this point and will need work to become a more refined pass-rusher. Currently he doesn’t flash great hand use or instincts and routinely beats blockers with agility and speed over tools. There is a boom-or-bust factor to Paye because he’s so naturally athletic and gifted but lacks the production or technique to give his game a foundation.

What I Love: College football is loaded with smaller, speedy pass-rushers but it’s rare to find a big boy with the agility and athleticism Paye brings to the table. His power, agility and twitch are high-level starter caliber.

NFL Comparison: Frank Clark

Grade: 90/100

Position Specific Traits:

(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Athletic Ability: +++

Pass Rush Power: ++

Pass Rush Speed: ++

Run Support: +

Speed/Burst: +++

Strength: ++