NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 4
Da'Ron Payne. 14. player. 15. . Defensive Tackle. Alabama
The New Orleans Saints defensive line did a great job against a mobile quarterback in Week 3 in the Carolina Panthers Cam Newton, on their way to a 34-13 victory. After two straight losses to start the season, that’s a very encouraging sign.
The secondary got an upgrade with the drafting of former Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore in last year’s Draft. Now it’s the defensive line’s turn. The Saints do not need anymore help on offense, they need to continue building the defense.
Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne immediately brings in a huge physical presence that could anchor down the middle of the Saints defensive line. Third year defensive tackle Tyeler Davison is not a starting caliber lineman in this league, and Payne could come in and take his spot.
If the Saints were able to add a player like Payne just one year after adding Lattimore, the defense would have a drastically different look. As superstar quarterback Drew Brees nears the end of his NFL career, the defense for the Saints could take over.