Washington Redskins: Da’Ron Payne augments already forceful defensive line

The Washington Redskins realize the importance of having a strong defensive line and they made the right choice with nose tackle Da’Ron Payne.

Defense, defense, defense. The Washington Redskins placed an emphasis on defense this offseason and it started with the 2018 NFL draft. Five of their eight draft selections were dedicated to that side of the ball with the 13th overall pick going to Da’Ron Payne out of Alabama. At just 21 years of age, he joins Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioaniddis to bolster an already imposing defensive front.

Payne was quick to impress during OTAs, but an ankle injury sidelined him for the first three weeks of training camp.

Finally healthy, he made his preseason debut Thursday in their 15-13 win over the New York Jets clogging up the middle and sacking third overall pick Sam Darnold.

“It felt good to be back out there,” Payne said with a smile after the game, per Redskins.com. “Just glad I got it.”

Payne did a great job getting off the ball and dismissing the guard’s hands quickly. His technique is advanced beyond his years and it should have fans excited for the regular season. In addition to the sack, he recorded a hit on the quarterback.

It was a strong performance and the sack capped off a great night for the youngster. He and Allen paired together make up a scary duo that teams will definitely have to game plan against for the foreseeable future. At least one of them will command double teams on a consistent basis, freeing up the other to make an impactful play either against the run or the pass.

Allen and Payne played next to each other for two seasons at Alabama, both earning All-SEC honors. Now they are reunited planning to elevate each other’s game to a new level.

Allen missed most of his rookie season after suffering a foot fracture in Week 6. However, before the injury he was off to a promising start. Washington saw an opportunity and grabbed it by selecting his former teammate in April’s draft, thereby taking pressure off of Allen to carry the load up front.

They both will contain the middle while their two established edge rushers in Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith will continue to pressure the quarterback.

Washington fielded a top-10 pass defense in 2017, but now they anticipate Allen and Payne will turn things around for one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. The Redskins desperately want to avoid a repeat of last year when allowed a league-high 2,146 yards rushing.

Two top-20 picks from one of the best defensive programs in the country is a good way to start. It was evident during Thursday’s preseason action as the Jets totaled just 64 yards on 22 carries.