2021 NFL Draft: Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson lead trade-filled mock draft
2021 NFL Draft 1st round, 14th pick
Pick Analysis. 60. Scouting Report. EDGE. Michigan. Kwity Paye. 14. player
The Vikings are in a really tough spot heading into 2021.
There is plenty of young talent to like on this team but the Vikings made a huge mistake earlier in 2020 by trading a second-round pick for Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue.
That move didn’t work out for the Vikings, who were unable to secure a long-term deal with Ngakoue before dealing him to the Baltimore Ravens as basically a sunk cost.
With Ngakoue’s departure means the Vikings have an obvious need in the pass rush department once again, and even with Ngakoue, they probably would have needed it anyway.
Michigan’s Kwity Paye has been as advertised in 2020, wreaking havoc as a pass rusher and making plays against the run.
Even though he only played in four games, Paye was pressuring the quarterback regularly and showing off his athletic ability off the edge.
Known for being extremely quick, Paye has a well-rounded game overall evidenced by his 66 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks in his last 16 games for the Wolverines.
There is no question Paye would be an upgrade for the Vikings’ defensive front which needs help both off the edge and on the interior.