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Colts: Power ranking 5 most important players to Indy’s Super Bowl hopes

By Kristen Wong

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 27: Jack Doyle #84, Marlon Mack #25 and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrate after Mack ran for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 27: Jack Doyle #84, Marlon Mack #25 and Quenton Nelson #56 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrate after Mack ran for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Kwity Paye
Kwity Paye. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Kwity Paye

Another exciting breakout draft pick for the Colts lies in Kwity Paye. As the No. 21 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Paye could break into the Colts’ defensive starting line sooner than later. Justin Houston, who was responsible for eight of the Colts’ 40 sacks in 2020, remains unsigned, and the rookie Paye could quickly become Indy’s primary pass-rusher off the edge.

While Paye only appeared in four games last season for Michigan, he produced 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 2019. At 6-foot-2 and 261 pounds, he embodies a sizzling explosive pass-rusher who’ll either make or break the Colts’ defense. That’s a lot of pressure on a rookie.

Still, Paye has the potential to serve as DeForest Buckner’s edge complement. If Buckner is Jon Snow leading the Colts’ interior against the advancing White Walkers, Paye is the leaner and loyal Pyp who holds the edge long enough for the pass rush to make a serious impact. Okay, so the analogy falls a little short. Moving on.

As a rookie, Paye obviously still has gaping areas of his game to improve. But he possesses strong physical traits – strong enough to be called the Colts’ “most dangerous weapon” – that would give him an “edge” and in turn give the Colts a potentially massive shot at making the Super Bowl.

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