Colts draft DE Kwity Paye - Round 1, Pick 21

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Wow. No trade.

Ballard goes defense with the pick.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1387963069280792579

The Colts take at No. 21 Michigan pass-rusher Kwity Paye, the best available pass-rusher.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1387963100280901635

A wild week for Michigan pass-rusher Kwity Paye, who had a very serious health scare when his heart was red-flagged during a pre-draft physical. In the end, teams cleared Paye completely, source said, after his team arranged for endless tests.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1387963120472129543

When Kwity Paye’s troponin levels in his blood came back high originally – potentially due to a strenuous workout the day before – teams raced for answers. A battery of tests ensued. Lab work showed the troponin levels had returned to normal. Paye was not considered a major risk.

https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1387963127669592065

Kwity Paye was the No. 1-ranked player on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List.

I like the pick. Adds some punch to a defensive pass rush that needs it.

Can likely address left tackle in Round 2.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/st...78136822947844

A lot of pre-draft contact between Paye and the Colts. He said they talked three times.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/st...78952057233410

Paye says a lot of teams saw him as a 3-4 outside linebacker. His whole focus going into the NFL is to improve as a pass rusher.

https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1387963925510213632

One thing the Colts are banking on: Brian Baker, their DL coach, will help Kwity Paye develop his pass rush repertoire.

Baker was huge in the development of Grover Stewart and Tyquan Lewis in his first year with the Colts in 2020.

https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1387965051999555586

Word from Colts facility — team's pretty pumped they got Kwity Paye at 21. Not a lot of talk of trading back. Paye was the highest player on their board.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/st...83340762976256

Ballard: "I've made some pretty easy picks, where you just knew. ... Pulling the card of Kwity Paye was very easy. He's for everything we stand for."

https://twitter.com/jimayello/status...83440985968643

Chris Ballard: "I just feel fortunate tonight. Sometimes it just goes your way, and tonight we felt like it did."