Washington Redskins: Da’Ron Payne brings immediate help
The Washington Redskins needed defensive line help and they got it in Alabama’s Da’Ron Payne via the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Washington Redskins needed to boost the defensive line in the 2018 NFL Draft. With the 13th overall pick, there were lots of rumors about Washington’s reported interest in Vita Vea. However, when Vea was selected by Tampa Bay one pick before the Redskins, that was off the table. Would Washington choose someone like Tremaine Edmunds, Derwin James or stick to improving the defensive line and take Da’Ron Payne of Alabama?
The Redskins, needing to improve a horrendous run defense, chose the safe and steady Payne and it was absolutely the correct move. There were concerns about both Payne and Vea about their ability to play three downs. Could Payne stay on the field in obvious passing situations and push the pocket?
Washington head coach Jay Gruden certainly believes so.
Gruden says Payne can play more than just nose tackle. He can push the pocket, too. Sack numbers weren’t there but they saw potential there on tape.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) April 27, 2018
If the Redskins felt Payne was strictly a two-down nose tackle, they wouldn’t have selected him at No. 13 overall. Payne is only 20 years old and his best football is clearly ahead of him. For proof of how good Payne can be, go back and watch his performance against a loaded Georgia team in the National Championship game. Payne gave Isaiah Wynn — who went No. 23 to New England — all he could handle.
With Payne now in the fold, the Redskins have four young defensive linemen all on rookie contracts. Payne joins former college teammate, Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis and Anthony Lanier as promising young pieces on the defensive line. For years, the Redskins chose not to invest draft capital on the defensive line. Now, it could be a strength moving forward.
Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick
Payne was certainly not the flashiest pick in the first round, but the Redskins didn’t need flash. They needed someone who could come in immediately and make an impact. That’s Payne.