The Indianapolis Colts must have been shocked and very pleasantly surprised when Michigan defensive lineman Kwity Paye fell to them at number 21 overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and they made sure to swipe him up while they had the opportunity. Paye was widely regarded to be the first defensive lineman off the board, but the Colts managed to get him as a steal.

Paye is a raw, hard-working prospect for the Colts who is looking to emphasize on the opportunity he has in the NFL. He had one of the most emotional reactions to being drafted that we’ve ever seen as right after his name was announced he looked over and told his mother that she was now retired because he was going to cover everything.

Paye on the field is a great guy just like he is off the field. He is going to outwork a lot of people and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he’s named an opening week starter on the edge for Indianapolis. The Colts need some good edge rushers, and they got a great one in Kwity Paye.

In four years in college, Paye accumulated 97 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Paye excels at beating blocks and making plays on the defensive line and he has the valuable versatility to play on the interior or exterior of the defensive line. Not to mention, Paye is an absolute beast and a very intimidating physical presence on the line.

Kwity Paye is going to be a great player for the Colts and he should make an immediate impact on the team. Colts fans should be very excited about what they have in their new rookie defensive end.

It would be reasonable to expect Paye to end the season with around 30 total tackles, five to six sacks, and a forced fumble or two as a rookie. Those numbers would make Chris Ballard and the Colts very happy with their selection.