Kwity Paye is a freak. I know most people say that regarding their favorite draft prospects. But you cannot argue against Paye’s physical tools. His athleticism for his size is ridiculous. No one weighing over 270-pounds should move that fluidly. In a draft class that features Jaelan Phillips and Azeez Ojulari, Kwity Paye may be the best pass-rusher in this class.
During his time at Michigan, Paye always had the tools and ability to become a menace along the defensive line. He was just too raw of a prospect early in his collegiate career. A video came out in January of Paye running a ridiculous 3 cone drill. The drill is designed to display a player’s speed, agility, and change of direction, and Paye killed it. Running a sub 6.5 s is unheard of, especially for a lineman.
In his first two seasons, Paye was good, not great. he flashed his freakish physical profile but never was a consistent pass-rusher. In the first 22 games of his career, Paye amassed just 7 sacks. Going into the 2020 season, all eyes were on Paye to see if he can put it all together. And he did just that. In just four games, Paye totaled 2 sacks, 16 hurries, and 11 run stops. A force in both the pass and run game, Paye is a do-it-all playmaker off the edge. After improving his draft stock, Paye opted out for the rest of the season.
At the Michigan pro day, Paye unsurprisingly blew it up. Benching 36 reps, running a 4.52 40-yard dash, and a vertical jump of 36″ cemented Paye as a first-rounder. His blend of size and speed is almost unheard of. As a reference, combine legend Myles Garrett totaled 33 bench reps and a 4.64 40-time. I expect the Browns to try and add Paye’s talent to work opposite of Garrett forming one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league.
If not the Browns, the Miami Dolphins may take Paye at the 18th pick. After trading Shaq Lawson to the Texans, Brian Flores needs an edge-rusher. A freak like Paye would fit the bill.
