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5 players Vikings should draft in the first round

By Rucker Haringey

Gregory Rousseau, Miami Hurricanes. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Gregory Rousseau, Miami Hurricanes. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Vikings mock NFL Draft, Kwity Paye
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to sack Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Kwity Paye

Michigan struggled mightily on the field in 2020 but Paye shouldn’t be blamed for his team’s struggles. He continued his upward ascension to become one of the best pass-rushing prospects in the country.

He’s far from a finished product as an edge rusher, but he’s got good burst that should help him become a quality NFL pass-rusher. Combine that with his excellent length for the position and it’s easy to understand why he’s an intriguing Round 1 option for teams looking for help at defensive end.

Zimmer and his defensive staff know they need to get better off the edge in 2021. It should also be noted that landing a guy who can only crash the pocket from the edge really won’t maximize the Vikings’ defensive scheme. To do that, Zimmer needs to select a legitimate two-way end.

Paye is a prospect who should be able to hold his own against the run while also becoming an above-average pass rusher. He may never become a superstar, but the Vikings need a guy they can count on to be an above-average starter in short order. Paye fits Minnesota like a glove at No. 14.

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