ESPN’s Todd McShay is out with a new mock NFL draft, and the first round includes two Michigan players.
The NFL draft analyst released his revised projection late Tuesday, moving former Wolverines defensive end Kwity Paye up to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 21.
Paye was projected to go No. 26 to the Baltimore Ravens by McShay last month, before the conclusion of the NFL playoffs. He is also mocked to go to the Colts at No. 21 by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper.
“The Colts are playoff contenders right now, so I’d expect them to look for a more veteran option at QB — (Carson) Wentz or (Sam) Darnold jump to mind,” McShay writes for ESPN.com (subscription required). “Maybe Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is the play, replacing Anthony Castonzo. Perhaps cornerback is a focus. But with three of the team’s top defensive ends out of contract — Justin Houston, Denico Autry and Al-Quadin Muhummad — I think replenishing the edge is going to be critical.
“Drafting Paye gives the Colts a playmaker (he had 8.5 sacks over his last 16 college games) and simultaneously blocks a division-rival with a big need in that place set to pick next.”
Paye has a consensus first-round pick in most mock drafts for his play-making ability, speed and athleticism on the outside. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds in college, Paye is versatile enough to play the edge or outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme, making him an appealing prospect.
In four seasons at Michigan, Paye, a Providence, Rhode Island, native, was a two-time all-Big Ten honoree, voted captain by his teammates in 2020 and tallied 100 tackles (23 1/2 for a loss), 11 1/2 sacks and had a fumble recovery.
More: Mel Kiper projects Kwity Paye as first-round NFL draft pick
Meanwhile, offensive tackle Jalen Mayfield, who left Michigan after three seasons in college, isn’t far behind to the New Orleans at No. 28.
It’s the first time in recent months that McShay has included Mayfield, a Grand Rapids, Mich., native in the first round.
“This one is a tougher read because the Saints have some questions that will be answered in free agency,” McShay writes. “The secondary is littered with holes at the moment and inside linebacker requires some attention (Missouri’s Nick Bolton could be someone to watch). And who will be under center?
“All that aside, Mayfield makes sense. New Orleans has found success in taking linemen early, with Cesar Ruiz last April, Erick McCoy in the second round in 2019 and Ryan Ramcyk at the tail end of Round 1 in 2017.”
McShay said he likes the 6-foot-5, 320-pound Mayfield as a rotational inside linemen during his rookie season, but could envision him sliding back out to tackle in 2022 if New Orleans is unable to bring back either of their starters.
“His power should help open lanes for running back Alvin Kamara,” McShay writes.
Mayfield is another intriguing pro prospect because of his development at Michigan, where he went from a four-star recruit out of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School to a full-time starter as a sophomore. He appeared in two games during the abbreviated 2020 season, starting both of them, but was sidelined for an undisclosed reason.
The 2021 NFL draft is scheduled for April 29 to May 1 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Read more on Michigan football:
J.J. McCarthy and his intriguing role in Michigan’s offseason QB race
Ed Warinner to join ex-Harbaugh assistant’s staff at Florida Atlantic
Michigan’s QB situation another offseason mystery
U-M football’s revised 2021 schedule: Ohio State at home, road games vs. West
Recruiting: Michigan lands pair of 4-star prospects in the 2022 class
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