Washington Redskins: Saban optimistic about Da’Ron Payne

The Washington Redskins have looked to Alabama to improve their defense the last two years. Nick Saban weighed in on his former players.

The Washington Redskins have struggled on defense for years. Refusing to invest high draft picks on the defensive line, instead choosing to sign lesser free agents, is a major reason why. In 2017, Washington finally decided to reverse that trend, picking Jonathan Allen No. 17 overall.

The former All-American at Alabama slid to the Redskins due to concerns over the health of his shoulders. Allen proved to be excellent as a rookie, unfortunately, he played in just five games after suffering a foot injury. Washington’s run defense, terrific with Allen allowing just 3.94 yards per attempt, was among the worst in the league without him.

Allen wasn’t the only former Alabama player Washington picked in 2017. The Redskins chose outside linebacker Ryan Anderson in the second round. Anderson’s rookie year was forgettable, but optimism surrounds him entering his second year.

Anderson appears to be in much better shape after his first full NFL offseason.

With the defensive line still a need, Washington went back to Alabama during the 2018 NFL Draft, choosing Da’Ron Payne with the 13th overall pick. The 6-3, 311-pound defensive tackle is just 21 years old and his best football is clearly ahead of him.

His former coach, the legendary Nick Saban, recently spoke about Payne and is excited about his potential as an NFL player, per John Keim of ESPN.

"“He’s strong at the point. He’s very physical. He uses his hands well, controls blockers and he’s got really good initial quickness for his size. He did a much better job this past season as an interior pass-rusher. He has initial quickness and is athletic enough to finish on the quarterback.”"

While Saban spoke glowingly of Payne, he did caution that Payne must watch his weight.

"“The key with him is don’t let him get too heavy so he can stay quick enough to be an every-down player,” Saban said."

The Redskins need Payne to stop a leaky run defense, but they also want Payne to help rush the passer, too. You don’t select two-down defenders that high in the draft unless you believe they can also get to the passer. The Redskins, and Saban believe Payne will be able to make an impact against the pass at the next level.

Last season, Saban heaped praise on Allen as one the best players — and kids — he’s ever coached. This year, Saban offered similar praise for sixth-round pick, Shaun Dion Hamilton, per Keim.

"“He is really, really smart and makes everyone around him play better. Very, very instinctive. He plays with good power for his size because he’s not a great big guy, but he can strike out of his hips and has some power. His greatest asset is he has really good in-line quickness and is very instinctive. He’s about as smart a player as you can find.”"

Saban clearly believes in Hamilton’s ability. Health is the biggest concern with Hamilton. He missed a lot of time in Tuscaloosa with injuries, most recently a dislocated kneecap that cost him time late in the 2017 season. Hamilton’s size, (6-0, 228 pounds) is also a bit of a concern for inside linebacker at this level.

With Hamilton, the Redskins view him as a luxury. They don’t expect him to become a starter and don’t need him to be one. What they would like to have is an intelligent and athletic player who can step in if Zach Brown or Mason Foster go down and also help on special teams. Hamilton is a prime candidate for these roles.

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Washington should be much better on defense in 2018. Allen and Anderson are entering their second seasons, while Payne is ready to make an impact on day one. If we go by what we’ve seen in the past from Alabama’s defense, the Redskins are going to contend in 2018.