2018 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting every first round selection

The Minnesota Vikings offense fought through injuries this season to reach the NFC Championship Game. Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook all missed meaningful parts of the season, and the Vikings still had plenty of offensive punch. The offense will be better in 2018, giving the Vikings the opportunity to go after the player that fits their system the best.

Interior defensive lineman don’t often merit first round selections. It takes a special player to earn an exception and Alabama’s Da’ron Payne is that one of a kind player. The 6-foot-2, 308 pound defensive tackle is an incredible talent that’s more versatile than might be expected. Payne intercepted Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant in the College Football Playoff Semifinal and caught a touchdown pass of his own to cap off the Alabama victory.

Payne is a block-shedding tackle with a lightning fast first step. He can get to the quarterback from the interior and plays the run exceptionally well to boot. Head coach Mike Zimmer won’t shy away from the opportunity to fortify his defensive line. The Vikings don’t have a ton of massive holes to fix, which gives them the opportunity to snag this elite defender.