NFL Draft: Grading each 2018 first-round pick after Week 11

13. Washington Redskins: Da’Ron Payne, DT

The Washington Redskins have been able to compete in the NFC East this season despite not being a favorite of most who study the game. While they’ve had a respectable offense, the real reason for their success this year has been a strong defense led by their defensive line.

In recent seasons, they’ve put some work into that group with the addition of players like Jonathan Allen out of Alabama in 2017. In 2018, they went back to the Crimson Tide to find their next potential star on that line. That’s where they selected Da’Ron Payne, who drew some great praise from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein during the draft process.

"“Payne possesses one of the most impressive combinations of strength and athleticism that we’ve seen from an interior lineman. He will be the premier run-stuffer in this draft, but he may have enough in the pass rushing toolbox to project as a better pro than college pass rusher. Payne is a game-ready starter who immediately upgrades a defense’s ability to slow the run. If teams view him as just a run-down player, then his draft value could fall a little, but he could become a Pro Bowl defender early in his career.” — Zierlein, NFL.com"

So far, Payne has lived up to those words. He’s also shown he can cause issues in the passing game for opposing offenses. He’s not just stuffing the run, but he can also get after the quarterback. He’s a big reason the Washington defense has improved so much this season.

Grade: A