[jwplayer HliWGP0Q-XNcErKyb]
Michigan has had a pretty solid defensive line since Jim Harbaugh came aboard in 2015. The Wolverines have seen eight linemen drafted since Harbaugh took over — DT Willie Henry, DE Taco Charlton, DE Chris Wormley, DT Ryan Glasgow, DT Maurice Hurst, DE Rashan Gary, DE Chase Winovich and DE Michael Danna — but according to a new NFL mock draft, the maize and blue might be about to send their highest-drafted yet.
To this point, Rashan Gary was the highest selected draft pick off the defensive line, having gone at No. 12 overall in 2019. However, expectations for Michigan senior defensive end Kwity Paye are sky high going into the 2020 Big Ten season, and CBS Sports HQ has reacted accordingly.
According to its latest mock, Paye could go as high as No. 10 overall, as it has the Atlanta Falcons taking the Rhode Island native at exactly that spot in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Kwity Paye DLMICHIGAN • SR • 6’4″ / 272 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM
PROSPECT RNK
46th
POSITION RNK
4th
This is more of a projection at this point, but the Falcons are desperate to fix this defense. Yes, they’re banged up with injuries, but every team can make that argument. Paye is an athletic marvel who will only get better with more reps. And the good news is that the Big Ten is back and Paye will have a chance to prove he deserves first-round consideration.