2021 NFL Draft: 5 pass-rush prospects SF 49ers should scout

SF 49ers EDGE Target No. 1: Kwity Paye, Michigan

There’s a good chance Michigan EDGE Kwity Paye is the No. 1 edge rusher selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, which would put him likely in the teens at the lowest, potentially working into the top 10 depending on how he finishes the year.

So far, all that’s been good. Paye owns two sacks and four tackles for a loss in the three games the Wolverines have played this season, and his recent efforts against Minnesota were absolutely outstanding:

Paye stands out as perhaps the most-gifted and well-rounded pass-rusher in this year’s class, using a combination of speed, power and excellent pass-rushing moves to dominate blockers in front of him. While he comes nowhere close to the level of hype Nick Bosa possessed entering 2019, Paye is still pretty notable himself.

True, this would mean the SF 49ers would either have to use their first pick on Paye or bank on the slimming hope he drops in the draft order somehow.

Still, it would be more than worthwhile for San Francisco to check out what Paye could offer the defense, should he truly become a target in Round 1 of the NFL Draft.