2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 12th overall
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DE. Michigan. Kwity Paye. 12. 42
The 49ers will have a tough choice here between Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye and Northwestern offensive tackle Rashawn Slater. However, I am going to go with Paye with this pick as he fills a more immediate need at defensive end. This is a more pressing need due to the health concerns surrounding Dee Ford and his back injury.
Another reason the 49ers would go with Paye here is his impressive upside. When watching his film you can see an impressive athlete who is just starting to grow into the position. Speaking of athletic ability Paye has put up some extremely impressive testing numbers and was actually named the number one physical freak in college football by Bruce Feldman at the start of the season. Some of the numbers he has posted include a 6.37 seconds 3-cone drill time and a 4.57 40-yard dash.
In terms of where Paye would fit in with the 49ers, at the bare minimum he would provide valuable depth behind Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. This is a very valuable role for any player the 49ers would pick up as Nick Bosa missed most of the 2020 season with a torn ACL, and Dee Ford only played in one game before being placed on injured reserve. The team will likely also lose its most productive pass rusher last year Kerry Hyder Jr. in free agency. Paye would then eventually enter the starting lineup whenever the team moves on from Ford, which could be as early as the 2021 season.