2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

13. Da’Ron Payne, DT, Washington Redskins

2018 Stats: 56 total tackles, 5 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered

The Washington Redskins followed up their addition of Jonathan Allen in 2017 by drafting yet another Alabama alum in Da’Ron Payne in 2018. Based on what we saw from Payne as a rookie, the Redskins could soon boast one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

It was quite the first year for the former Crimson Tide star. Earning the starting job from Day 1, Payne immediately asserted himself as a force along the D.C. defensive front. Between stuffing the run and proving himself to be a capable interior pass rusher, there wasn’t much Payne failed to do in 2018.

His presence, however, wasn’t enough to fix the Washington run defense. They still finished near the middle of the pack in terms of rushing yards per game, although a lack of top linebacker talent probably had something to do with that. As Payne and Allen improve, though, expect that to change. Put simply, he’ll continue to make a larger impact as he gains experience.

Payne was everything the Redskins could have hoped for out of their first-round pick. His rookie season was already characterized by big plays and consistent production, which should continue to be the case for years to come.

Grade: A