Positional ranking: #2
Big Board ranking: #26
Overview
Position: EDGE
College: Michigan
Class: Senior
Age: 22
Measurables
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 261 lbs.
Arm length: 33″
Hand size: N/A
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: 4.52 sec.
Vertical jump: 35.5″
Broad jump: 118.0″
Bench press: 36 reps
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Thick and powerful edge defender. Relentless with a very high motor. Tremendous explosiveness at his size/weight. Excellent burst/acceleration. Plus first-step quickness at the snap. Plays with violence and physicality. Wraps up as a tackler/finisher. Closes fast on the ball in space. Great pursuit as a backside defender. Keeps feet in sync with hands on the speed rush. Strong hands to swipe and prevent blockers from engaging. Quality play recognition and overall awareness. Quick reaction time. Excellent setting the edge versus the run. Very effective crashing down and stunting. Has experience playing inside with the strength to hold up at the point of attack. Good ability to flatten to the quarterback. Flashed pass-rush upside in the fourth quarter versus Minnesota. Lined up on both sides of the formation and played some as a stand-up rusher.
Weaknesses
Lacks refinement as a pass rusher. Would like to see him add more moves to his arsenal. Could add a counter move to the speed rush. Length appears average for a player his size. Could be quicker getting off blocks against the run. Can come in a bit too hot and overrun a tackle. Limited production with 11.5 sacks in four years.
NFL comparison
Trey Flowers
Conclusion
Overall, Paye is an explosive and powerful edge defender that will only get better as he rounds out his collection of moves as a pass rusher. I think the best fit for Paye would be as a versatile defensive end in a 4-3 defense.
Sounds like a Patriot