NFL Draft: Grading each first round pick after five weeks

13. Washington Redskins – Da’Ron Payne

Right now, when you think of the Washington Redskins the first thing that comes to mind is Drew Brees — in the worst way possible. The Redskins defense allowed Brees to break the passing record while completing 89 percent of his passes in Week 5. But rookie defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne did what he’s done all season, show up and show out. He had a sack and four tackles and did his best to get to the quarterback. It was the second game in a row he had a sack.

The week before against the Packers, he made things painful (pun-intended) for Aaron Rodgers. He finished with five tackles, one for loss, a sack and one QB hit. His ability to collapse the pocket in addition to stuffing the run is why the Skins only allow an average of 92 yards per game. The Redskins got embarrassed against Brees and the Saints, but it wasn’t because of Payne. He’s a dominant force and a building block for that Redskins defense.

Grade: A

14. New Orleans Saints – Marcus Davenport

There’s a reason the New Orleans Saints surrendered two first round picks for a guy, Marcus Davenport, that some considered a bit of a project. Conversely, so far in his rookie season, he looks more like a finished product. One of his standout plays came against the Giants. Davenport beat his man with under swim move, making his way to the backfield. He wrapped his arms around Saquon Barkley and slung him a few feet into the backfield.

Davenport showed off again against the Redskins. Once again he made his way inside on a late stunt, displaying excellent quickness and closing speed. When he reached Alex Smith, he lowered the boom for a strip sack, leaving Smith writhing in pain.

The rookie is a key component to the Saints defense. Davenport only has two sacks through the first five weeks, but we expect that total to grow. The Saints have a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate on their hands with Davenport.

Grade: A