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Indianapolis Colts 2021 NFL Draft grades: More juice for the pass rush

By Jacob Schyvinck

Nov 2, 2019; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19), possible 2021 NFL Draft target of the Los Angeles Chargers, 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
Nov 2, 2019; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19), possible 2021 NFL Draft target of the Los Angeles Chargers, 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 /
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Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard talks with reporters during Colts training camp from their facility in Indianapolis, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. The event is being held without fans due to restrictions around the coronavirus.Colts Camp Begins
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard talks with reporters during Colts training camp from their facility in Indianapolis, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. The event is being held without fans due to restrictions around the coronavirus.Colts Camp Begins /

The Indianapolis Colts had an interesting 2020 offseason, starting with acquiring a potential long-term quarterback in Carson Wentz. It cost a third-round pick in 2021 and either a first or second-round selection in 2022, but reuniting Wentz with Frank Reich has the organization hopeful.

Indy made a few smaller moves after that, bringing back Xavier Rhodes and bringing in Sam Tevi and Julie’n Davenport at tackle, saving that cap space for future extensions.

Heading into the 2021 NFL Draft, the Colts had needs at both left tackle and on the edge at pass rusher, and a debate roared long before the draft about which was the right call with their first-round pick: tackle or edge rusher? Well, they made the call in round one, and we will get to that.

Overall, how did the Indianapolis Colts do concerning their selections in the 2021 NFL Draft? Let’s grade and dissect the class to find out.

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Michigan. 21. player. EDGE. Kwity Paye. 46

We got the answer to the all-important question surrounding the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night of the 2021 NFL Draft. General manager Chris Ballard and company finally landed an edge rusher with high upside in Michigan’s Kwity Paye.

While Paye may not have lit up the stat sheet in his time with the Wolverines (11.5 sacks in four seasons), the traits and athleticism are certainly prevalent to give a shot to produce in the NFL.

Paye has the explosiveness, flexibility, and power to create pressure on the edge in a variety of ways. He can win with bend on the outside track, can trim the edge with his power, and has the closing speed to finish at the quarterback and pursue the run from behind. Paye doesn’t shy away when teams run his way either, showing the ability to dip underneath blocks and shed blockers with the power in his hands.

Yes, the pick will be debated because Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw was on the board, but the Colts must create more consistent pressure in 2021, and Paye gives them that opportunity.

Grade: A

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