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Michigan Football: Predicting where top prospects land in 2021 NFL Draft

By Michael Hanich

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 28: Nico Collins #4 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a first quarter touchdown while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 28: Nico Collins #4 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a first quarter touchdown while playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Michigan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Oct 20, 2018; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) prepares for the snap of the ball during the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2018; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) prepares for the snap of the ball during the second half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kwity Paye, EDGE: Chicago Bears (20th overall)

The edge rusher is usually one of the most needed positions early in the NFL draft. This year’s 2021 NFL Draft edge rusher class is surprisingly underwhelming as there is no dominant specialist. Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye has been regarded as one of the draft’s best edge rushers due to his potential and how far he has come to become a potential first-round selection.

Adding a great, young playmaker on the edge like Paye will help the productivity in the pass rush and run support. Paye only played in four games this season for the Wolverines as he accounted for 16 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks this past season.

In the 2019 season, Paye accumulated 50 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Under the mentorship of Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack, Paye could potentially become a dangerous and productive playmaker.

With the Bears likely missing out on one of the top five quarterbacks in this class and potentially missing out on an elite offensive lineman, they will likely address their biggest defensive need. The Bears have dominant pass rushers in Mack and Hicks. Outside of these two players, the Bears do not have a productive playmaker on the edge.

The main issue is depth as the Bears only had one defensive end before the start of the 2021 free agency. They were able to extend the contract of defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. but this doesn’t solve the solidity of their pass rush deficiency.

Chicago only accounted for 35 sacks this past season, which was 17th in the league.

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