Colts select DE Kwity Paye in Mel Kiper’s mock draft
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As the offseason rolls on, there will be certain names associated with the Indianapolis Colts when it comes to their picks in the 2021 NFL draft.
They have needs at quarterback, edge rusher and left tackle to begin the offseason and in Mel Kiper’s first mock draft, the Colts added Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye.
With Philip Rivers retired and Jacoby Brissett a free agent, we know the Colts will be in the quarterback market this offseason. If they wait until the draft to make their move, they might have to trade up to get their guy. I don’t see a fit here. Paye is a tough evaluation. He finished his four-year college career with 11.5 sacks and had only two last season. But we know that the draft is all about size/athleticism traits, even when the production doesn’t match. And that’s 6-4, 270-pound Paye, who is a gifted athlete. This is an upside pick, and the Colts have a hole at defensive end with Justin Houston hitting free agency.
Edge rusher is arguably the biggest need after quarterback. Some would argue it’s left tackle, and that argument certainly has legs. But the Colts need to add more explosiveness to the edge rusher group.
With Justin Houston, Denico Autry and Al-Quadin Muhammad set to be free agents, the Colts are staring at Kemoko Turay and Ben Banogu on the edge. It’s not looking pretty for Indy at the position and could wind up being something the Colts address in free agency as well.
Should the Colts not trade up in the draft or trade the No. 21 pick for Matthew Stafford, Paye would likely be on the board for Indy at this point in the offseason.
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