2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five EDGE defenders
Ranking the top five edge rushers in the 2021 NFL Draft class.
The 2021 NFL Draft class is loaded with talent across many positions. While edge rusher may not be considered one of the most talented groups in this class, there are some exciting players who will undoubtedly be on many the radar of many teams.
Who are the top edge rushers in the 2021 NFL Draft class? Find out as we rank the top five players at the position and project their draft range.
Pick Analysis. Michigan. Kwity Paye. 1. player. 811. Scouting Report. EDGE
Kwity Paye has missed some time with a groin injury this season, but when he has been on the field, Paye has been unstoppable. He has only played in three games this season and has piled up 12 total tackles (four for loss) and two sacks. Paye was generating a ton of pressure off of the edge before his injury and needs to be taken seriously as a top-tier 2021 NFL Draft prospect.
The 6-foot-4, 272-pound Paye has all of the size and strength needed to hold his own at the line of scrimmage. He is a powerful player who sets the edge well and can win with a bull rush on the outside.
Paye is certainly a bigger edge rusher, but do not sleep on his ability to get off of the ball quickly and generate pressure with speed. Paye is explosive around the edge and closes on the quarterback in an instant. He converts speed to power at an extremely high level and is an impact player against the run and the pass.
Personally, I would like to see Paye land with a creative defensive team that will not be afraid to play him all over the defensive line. His combination of size, quickness and power is fantastic and will make him an exciting weapon at the next level. Paye is the best edge rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft class and should be a top 12 pick next April.