2021 NFL Mock Draft: Jets make Justin Fields No. 1 pick, Cowboys target Penei Sewell

Coming into the 2020 season, there were many people talking up Kwity Paye out of Michigan for his ability to potentially be a riser in this class. And despite the struggles of the Wolverines as a whole, Paye has delivered. An explosive player in a stout frame, Paye has the potential to be a devastating force as a base-end in a 4-3 scheme, which is exactly what the Falcons need.

After missing the position for some time, the Falcons tried to patchwork the edge-rushing group together this offseason and, lo and behold, it didn’t work. Though they missed on Takk McKinley relatively recently, they can’t be afraid of investing another first-rounder on the edge. Paye is a perfect fit who should be the right guy to help Atlanta’s defense take a big step forward.

Matt Patricia is currently on the hot seat, Kenny Golladay could hit free agency, Matthew Stafford trade rumors have started to resurface and the Detroit Lions just really aren’t in a good place right now. While that may all be true, if Patricia gets axed, I believe this team does have enough talented pieces to compete for a playoff spot. They just need the right leadership.

Of course, the Lions also need to get Stafford more options in the passing game (and let him loose, for what it’s worth). Jaylen Waddle would be perfect for that. The Alabama standout, though his season was cut short due to injury, is a premier home-run threat but also plays with nuance in his routes and overall ability. Putting him with Stafford and, assumedly, Golladay would give the Lions a ton of firepower to start scaring opposing defenses even more.