Buffalo Bills Best Pick No. 2: EDGE Kwity Paye, Michigan
Standing at 6-3 and 260 pounds, Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye matches freakish size with violence. The former-Wolverine team captain only started 19 games in his college career, but that hasn’t hindered him in the eyes of most scouts.
The Buffalo Bills struggled in both run-defense and generating pressure throughout the entire 2020 season. With veteran defensive lineman Star Loutulelei out for the season, less-than-impressive play from 2020 draft pick A.J. Epenesa, and the effects of age and time on veteran linemen Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes, the Bills could use a fresh face in their front four.
Paye has the ability to contribute in his natural position on the edge with the potential to be a playmaker on the interior line due to his size. While scouting reports note that Paye needs to work on his play-recognition, he undoubtedly has enough traits in terms of athleticism and physical size to make an impact.
At the pro-level, Buffalo can reasonably expect that Paye’s raw talent can be fine-tuned rather quickly, and if that is the case, Paye will give a much needed boost to an aging and under-performing line.
In a draft class full of EDGE/defensive line prospects, there is still a lot of mystery regarding who is the “best” in the 2021 draft. Between opt-outs and shortened seasons, many teams might shy away from drafting defensive linemen this high. But if a player like Paye can be found this far down in Round 1, McDermott and Beane may as well pull the trigger.