INDIANAPOLIS – The past year was Chad Henry’s 24th in scouting for NFL teams, and he would put Kwity Paye on a very short list.
Such a list is something Chris Ballard holds in very high regard.
If Henry were to rank the highest character players he’s ever scouted, Paye’s name is going to have a spot near the top.
“There’s not five guys I’ve scouted that have better character and makeup than this kid,” Henry says of Paye. “He is unique. Really, really special in a lot of ways. Really fits the culture and what we’re trying to build with our team.
“The best thing is when you start to learn about the kid, that’s what really sealed the deal for us.”
It was that aspect to Paye’s makeup that ultimately sold the Colts, too.
When Chris Ballard started watching Paye this fall, he saw a talented player at a premium position. Once Ballard spoke with the Michigan staff, the GM fell even more in love with Paye.
That’s why this made Paye the ‘perfect Colt’ pick as Ballard put it.
Yes, Virginia Tech OT-Christian Darrisaw (who went No. 23 to Minnesota) was a possibility for the Colts at No. 21 overall.
Both Paye and Darrisaw were at major positions of need for the Colts, and both had impressive physical characteristics.
But that blue trait of Paye from a work ethic and off the field standpoint made the difference.
The Colts are not worried at all about Paye adjusting to the demanding style of playing in a Matt Eberflus defense.
Whether it was Ballard watching Paye on film last fall, or Henry getting an in-person look at the Michigan product, they saw a guy who checked the high-standard effort box.
“The guy plays 100 miles an hour all the time,” Henry says of Paye.
While the Colts certainly entertained the idea of trading back in Round 1 back in April, the uncertainty surrounding this year’s draft class, due to pandemic restrictions, had Ballard wanting to rely on guys that adhered to their core beliefs.
That would be Paye.
The Colts love his toughness, his effort and see more speed and athleticism than departing defensive linemen Denico Autry and Justin Houston.
If Paye can develop an additional pass rush move, to go with the belief he can play against the run from Day One, the Colts see a long-term foundational piece in a position group they really needs one.
