ESPN’s Bold Prediction for Colts Defender

The Indianapolis Colts used a first-round decide on edge rusher Kwity Paye within the 2021 NFL Draft.

Paye received off to a sluggish begin as he battled via accidents the primary a part of his rookie season, however he got here on sturdy to shut the yr. Paye had 4 sacks in 2021, and every of them got here within the closing eight video games of the season.

ESPN’s Invoice Barnwell is certainly one of a number of nationwide pundits who sees Paye as a breakout candidate for 2022, saying in his newest column Paye is able to make the leap from strong starter to Professional-Bowler.

“Paye appeared like a unique participant in the course of the second half of his rookie season,” Barnwell writes in his ESPN Insider Colum. “In the course of the first half, he missed the higher a part of three video games due to a hamstring damage and wasn’t an impactful pass-rusher when wholesome. He did not rack up a single quarterback knockdown till Week 9, when he had two in a win over the Jets.”

“From that time ahead, he was extra noticeable, placing up 4 sacks and eight knockdowns. A number of of these sacks had been cleanups as passers moved up the pocket, however he additionally generated 25 preliminary pressures as a pass-rusher from that Jets sport onward, which was tied for the eighth most within the league.”

“Paye nonetheless must be extra constant, however we’re seeing indicators the 23-year-old can ship on his spectacular bodily instruments. He is a number of steps behind (Rashan) Gary, his former teammate at Michigan, however the objective is for the 2022 model of Paye to seem like Gary’s 2021 marketing campaign.”

Gary is a unique participant than Paye at 6’5 and 277 in comparison with Paye at 6’2 and 260 kilos. Gary arrived at Michigan as a defensive sort out candidate, already enjoying within the 290 vary. He is one of many few gamers who really received lighter in school.

However his 9.5 sacks in 2021 had been a profession finest after getting simply two as a rookie and 5 in 2020. Paye could also be a number of steps behind Gary, however he wasn’t far off in his rookie season the place Gary was in his second yr.

Paye appears to be significantly farther forward of the place Gary was getting into his second season. 

If Paye can replicate Gary’s third season in 2022, Barnwell’s prediction of a Professional Bowl nod might come to fruition for the Colts’ second-year man.