2021 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Kwity Paye
Position: DE
School: Michigan
Height: 6’4
Weight: 277 pounds
Stats
Pass Rush-2
Imagine a fully stocked Craftsman toolbox, with no drawers. Essentially, this is Paye’s rush set. While the prospect displays skill with quick, violent hands, where is he going? Right now, he needs serious coaching to develop a repertoire conducive to seeing the field at the next level. At times, natural ability delivered him to the quarterback. The swim, rip, and pull-push can surface, but a dedicated position coach needs to consistently draw these out of him.
Strength-3
From the snap, the prospect rocks the blocker back with heavy hands. Paye shows the knack for the bull rush, but he needs to refine that power, producing it longer and far more consistent.
Speed-3
When closing down the target, the prospect excels with above-average explosion and little wasted motion. When executing a rush move, you can see an inkling of untapped potential, and understanding the right coach could unlock this. Paye pursues backside plays with immediacy and takes smart angles towards the ball.
Tackling-2
Although Paye generates decent pop with his tackles, the timing appears to lag. For instance, if he arrives unblocked, there needs to be a plan for breakdown, grasp, and drive. You will see one of those elements missing, throwing off the entire play. In the NFL, Paye needs to engage all of his frame, from forearms to ankles, in order to make a smoother play.
Run Support-3
Michigan deployed the prospect in the occasional Wide-9. As a result, Paye took a step or two longer to get involved with inside runs. When lined up traditionally, you can see the strength to stand the blocker up, shed and make the play.
Agility-3
Although muscled, the prospect demonstrates bend. When flying around the corner, Paye lowers his pad level while moving and reduces his blocking area. Versus the rush, the same principle applies, shooting the game. Meanwhile, the ability to loop gives him another avenue to the quarterback.
Intangibles-3
Michigan’s defense in the past two years disappointed many and frustrated fans. From scheme to execution, players often looked flawed and out of place. Yet, Paye managed to shine amongst the chaos. From all reports, he did not complain or whine that the Wolverines’ failures affected his draft stock. While football is a team game, the individuals at the collegiate level need to pay close attention to their circumstances.
Raiders Fit
In Paye, the Raiders could see an early rotational end that will eventually challenge for a starting spot. With seasoning and sound drilling, Paye presents tremendous upside and potential. When the Raiders drafted Arden Key, they thought he possessed a similarly high ceiling. After three years of watching Key miss tackles and squander opportunities, Vegas needs to let him walk. Meanwhile, Paye, who will be drafted higher than Key, also gives the team a look into the future. With Clelin Ferrell halfway through his rookie contract and Maxx Crosby, the team’s only actual rush threat, Paye will play the majority of his snaps on passing downs while he learns the ins and outs of the NFL
