NFL Draft 2018: Da’Ron Payne finds home with Redskins

The Washington Redskins made an interesting pick in Alabama defensive line star Da’Ron Payne. How does the pick grade?

A player that was somewhat overshadowed throughout the season due to star teammates such as Rashaan Evans and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Da’Ron Payne made a name for himself throughout the draft process ending up with him landing with the Washington Redskins with 13th overall pick.

Da’Ron Payne had a solid college career with Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide and was more of a physical, blue-collar player. Payne accumulated 102 total tackles in his collegiate career along with five tackles for loss and three sacks. He impressed many by running a 4.95 40-yard dash, which is eye-popping for a 300-plus pound defensive tackle.

How will he fit in Washington?

Payne will be a great interior anchor and space eater in the Redskins 4-3 scheme. I think he would be more effective as a nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme, but his experience is in Alabama’s 4-3 scheme. He’s nice compliment to the Redskins outside pass-rusher Ryan Kerrigan and gives them some resistance against the run. You can’t go wrong with an Alabama defensive lineman.

Next: Complete 7-round 2018 NFL Mock Draft

In recent years, it’s been a pretty safe bet to draft an Alabama defensive player and this will hold true for Payne. He is hardworking, blue-collar player who is willing to get down and dirty in the trenches. He has the ability to man two gaps thanks to his impressive speed and quickness off the ball. Jay Gruden and company made a quality selection with this pick.

Grade: B