Kwity Paye
If the Steelers are looking for a Bud Dupree clone to help fill the void at outside linebacker in 2021, look no further than Michigan’s Kwity Paye. Originally, Paye was thought to be a player who could be well out of Pittsburgh’s range in the NFL Draft – possibly going within the first 12 picks. However, it’s looking more and more like there is a chance he could end up slipping a bit.
Paye doesn’t have the most refined tape or technique, but he’s a freak athlete with remarkable closing speed and agility for a player his size. At 6’4” and 272, Paye is almost identical in stature to Dupree coming out of Kentucky back in 2015, but he’s probably even a better prospect. Unfortunately, the lack of elite college production from Paye is a bit concerning and it could cause him to have a bit of a slide in the draft.
Still, this is a player that will cause the Steelers to salivate if he is still on the board at this point, and the thought of pairing his remarkable traits with a player like T.J. Watt could be too good for Pittsburgh to pass up. If drafted by the team, Paye would be the first man off the bench and push for a starting role by the end of his rookie season.
Because of Pittsburgh’s current salary cap situation, signing a player in free agency who can help fill that void almost seems out of the question. Alex Highsmith will obviously have a hand in filling the void at right edge but don’t be surprised if the Steelers made a play for one of these three players as they really value the position and the price could be right.