Colts Edge Kwity Paye Named to PFF’s ‘2021 Midseason NFL All-Rookie Team’

According to PFF (subscription), Indianapolis Colts edge Kwity Paye has been named to their ‘2021 Midseason NFL All-Rookie Team’:

EDGE: KWITY PAYE, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

While Paye is still trying to figure out a pass-rush plan, he’s translated immediately in the run game for the Colts. He has 10 run stops on only 94 snaps against the run compared to eight hurries on 133 pass-rushing snaps.

At 6’3”, 265 pounds, the 21st overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft has 16 tackles (9 solo), a pass defensed, and two fumble recoveries during 7 starts—having missed 2 earlier starts with a hamstring injury. As noted, PFF has also credited him with 10 total defensive stops.

After Thursday night’s game, Paye now has 15 total QB hurries, as he had 7 QB hurries alone in his stellar outing against the New York Jets on primetime—earning a +90.1 overall grade (highlighted by a +90.5 pass rushing grade):

Perhaps it’s starting to click for the developing young pass rusher?

Per PFF, Paye is currently their 16th best graded edge with a +79.0 overall grade—featuring a +73.7 run defense grade. He’s currently PFF’s highest graded rookie edge defender.

While he’s routinely been a positive asset against the run since his initial debut, it looks like Paye’s starting to generate consistent pressure as a pass rusher—at least if his Thursday Night breakout performance was any clear indication for the Colts.

Here’s some highlights from Thursday Night (via NFLScheme and VeveJones007):