The Baltimore Ravens currently have just three edge defenders on their roster in Tyus Bowser, Pernell McPhee, and Jaylon Ferguson. The team will most likely be looking for a bit of juice at the position during the 2021 NFL Draft, and they’ll have plenty of great options to choose from.
One prospect who could be an option for Baltimore is Kwity Paye. The former University of Michigan edge defender accumulated 97 total tackles and 11.5 sacks in his four years as a Wolverine, including a career high 6.5 in 2019. While his college production doesn’t pop off of the screen, his tape certainly does.
Kwity Paye would make an immediate impact off of the edge for the Ravens pic.twitter.com/j824CgsPvc
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) April 23, 2021
Paye has an unconventional stance that lets him use his athletic abilities to his advantage. He plays with an extremely high motor and gives 110% effort on every play, which are both traits that the Ravens value in potential draft picks. He also has both speed and power moves that he has shown the ability to use at times, but does need to refine his overall technique a bit.
The biggest concern with Paye is the fact that he’s a bit raw overall, but if he’s put in the right situation with the right coaches, he can thrive. He has the potential to be the best edge rusher to come out of the 2021 class, but does need to continue to grow his game.
With Paye, Baltimore would be getting an extremely talented player who uses his powerful hands to win at the point of attack and can jump through tight creases by taking near-perfect angles. He is also sound at defending the run, something the Ravens would task Paye with doing early and often when he got on the field.
The overall consensus about where Paye could be selected in the draft is all over the place. Some believe he could go as early as the 14th overall pick, while others think he’s an early Day 2 prospect. For Baltimore, if Paye somehow dropped to them at No. 27, they’d most likely seriously consider taking him. His talent is undeniable, and his potential is off of the charts. He would fill a position of need for the Ravens while giving them a great prospect both on and off of the field.
