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2021 NFL Draft: Deshaun Watson on the move in latest NFL mock draft

By A.J. Fagerlin

Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4), who could be traded prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, smiles in the huddle during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4), who could be traded prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, smiles in the huddle during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kwity Paye, New England Patriots, Michigan Wolverines, 2021 NFL Draft
Nov 2, 2019; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19), possible 2021 NFL Draft target of the New England Patriots, and linebacker Jordan Glasgow (29) prior to the snap during the 2g against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Scouting Report. EDGE. Michigan. Kwity Paye. player. Pick Analysis. 47

Similar to the Vikings, the New England Patriots clearly have many needs that they need to address this offseason. They could certainly use some receivers, offensive line depth and maybe even a quarterback. But where the Patriots have really excelled over the years was on defense.

The best defensive player remaining in the 2021 NFL Draft? Most likely Kwity Paye. In this mock, we wait until pick 15 to see our first edge rusher off the board. Paye is the trendy selection for EDGE1 for the 2021 NFL Draft and could end up coming off the board much higher.

But if he is available at pick 15, I think the Patriots are all over it. They love their Michigan players, and they could pair Paye with Chase Winovich. They have let some solid edge rushers walk out the door in recent years with Trey Flowers and Kyle Van Noy, so now seems like a great time to reload.

Paye is likely the number one edge rusher off the board because of his versatility. He could play as a 4-3 defensive end, or maybe even more effectively as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Paye is an explosive athlete off the edge who can make plays in a variety of ways.

Paye has great get-off when the ball is snapped with great explosion off the edge. He can beat most tackles around the edge with great bend and flexibility. He is also capable of beating blockers with spins and countermoves to keep his opponent guessing.

Paye could become even more dominant if he fills out his frame and adds more muscle and play strength. But in the Patriots primarily 3-4 defense, Paye could excel as an athlete off the edge as a solid three-down player. A dynamic player like Kwity Paye could go a long way towards rebuilding the Patriots vaunted defense.

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