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KC Chiefs 2021 draft preview: Kwity Paye leads defensive end prospect list

By Thomas Welte

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Tryon #9 of the Washington Huskies looks on in the first quarter against the Utah Utes during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02: Joe Tryon #9 of the Washington Huskies looks on in the first quarter against the Utah Utes during their game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 31: Jayson Oweh #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 31, 2020, in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 31: Jayson Oweh #28 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on October 31, 2020, in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Jayson Oweh, DE, Penn State

Penn State has produced some talented NFL defensive ends throughout the years, including former Chief Tamba Hali. Oweh generated some buzz as the next Nittany Lion to find NFL success, but he may be farther out from that success than some believe. With that in mind, Oweh is a hot name and could end up being selected earlier than expected in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Despite accumulating seven sacks in his first two seasons, Oweh failed to register a sack during the 2020 campaign. In defense of Oweh, the Penn State season only consisted of seven games and there were COVID-19 complications that certainly limited Oweh’s offseason preparations. Oweh did make his presence known despite not having a sack as he did manage 6.5 tackles for a loss.

Oweh is a tough evaluation. There is a lot to like in terms of size at 6′ 5″, 252 pounds, and Oweh looks plenty athletic. Watching Oweh play is a whole other story. Despite the raw potential, Oweh has several inconsistencies and underdeveloped aspects to his game. Oweh struggles with anticipation off the line, has an inconsistent punch in his hands. There are also issues with play recognition, and he lets blockers into his frame too frequently. Some of these should be expected with a raw prospect like Oweh, but he has some moments that are truly maddening to watch. Additionally, Oweh is not capable against the run and regularly gets washed out.

Despite the inefficiencies, NFL scouts and coaches will fall in love with the athleticism and raw potential of Jayson Oweh. The Chiefs will likely be a little more hesitant. Oweh does not fit the traditional mold for their defensive ends, but he does appear to have room to fill out his frame. The reality is, Oweh is likely a developmental project who may be a year or two from being a full-time starter. The Chiefs would need to have a defined plan for Oweh.

The 2021 NFL Draft has some ambiguity toward the middle of the defensive end class, and Oweh might be pushed up draft boards based on how different teams evaluate the group. The Chiefs are unlikely to take Oweh at 31, but a trade back (or if Oweh slides a bit) could provide more value.

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