Cowboys 2021 draft prospects: Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye scouting report

Early this week, Daniel Jeremiah released his most recent mock draft, and had Cowboys Nation up in arms with his pick at #10. While most fans are focused on Kyle Pitts, Patrick Surtain II, Jaycee Horn, Rashawn Slater, and Penei Sewell, Jeremiah riled up everyone by taking Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye. But let’s take a look at the player and see if it makes more sense than we might think.

Name: Kwity Paye

School: Michigan

Height: 6-4

Weight: 277

Class: Senior

Position: EDGE

Jersey: #19

Strengths:

Paye is a freaky athlete for a 277-lb defensive end. He changes directions with ease, and showcased impressive knee-bend, ankle flexion, and hip mobility when turning the corner at Michigan. Made some spectacular plays against the run by chasing down from the backside when left unblocked. Explosive first step gives blockers fits, especially when he attacks the inside shoulder. Plays with some pop in his hands to make plays in the backfield against the run. Plays with tremendous effort both as a pass rusher and run defender. Tackle for loss production in 2019 shows up with how disruptive he can be in an opponents backfield. Closing burst is really impressive for such a big EDGE prospect.

Weaknesses:

Needs to improve his field vision and instincts when playing the run. Chases play-fakes far too long, taking himself out of plays. Lacks a plan as a pass rusher, and far too often just rushes down the middle of tackles (one of my biggest issues with his game). Didn’t see many pass rush moves on tape, instead relied solely on his power and explosiveness to win. Has to improve his use of his length both against the run and pass, not allowing blockers into his chest. Has a tendency to set a strong edge, but at times won’t progress from that point.

Overall Summary:

Cowboys fans, let’s get one thing straight. KWITY PAYE IS NOT TACO CHARLOTN... LIKE AT ALL. Paye is a freak athlete with elite physical traits and is still just putting his game together, where Taco was a poor athlete, not explosive, and just had long arms. Now that we got that out of the way.....

Kwity Paye is the definition of a boom-or-bust player coming out of Michigan. While there is so much to like regarding his size, athleticism, power, and explosiveness, there’s a ton of technical deficiencies that showed up on tape that are also very concerning. Paye has power in his hands, and at times shows strides in consistency with his strikes, but far too often he gives up his chest by playing with poor leverage and not understanding how to use his arm length. Even with the issues on tape, Paye’s natural athleticism is freaky for his size, and that’s what gets you excited about his ceiling. If Paye is able to put it all together, he has some of the best natural traits in this draft class.

Round Grade:

2nd (#32 Overall)

Video Breakdowns: