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Washington Redskins: Da’Ron Payne was the perfect draft pick

By Maxwell Ogden

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Da'Ron Payne of Alabama after he was picked #13 overall by the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of Da'Ron Payne of Alabama after he was picked #13 overall by the Washington Redskins during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Redskins selected Da’Ron Payne in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. It was the perfect selection for a team that desperately needed him.

The Washington Redskins entered the 2018 NFL Draft with a desperate need to improve on the defensive end of the ball. Washington hemorrhaged points and yardage in 2017, with the offense ultimately failing to save it from disaster.

In turn, Washington finished the 2017 regular season with a pedestrian record of 7-9—its first below .500 mark since 2014.

Washington finished the 2017 regular season ranked No. 21 in yards allowed and tied for No. 27 in points allowed. It was also No. 32 in rushing yards allowed per game, and was the only team in the NFL to allow more than 2,100 yards on the ground.

In the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Washington selected a player who could go a long way towards fixing that flaw: Da’Ron Payne.

Some have questioned whether or not Payne was worth that selection, but he has a high ceiling and could fill a significant void.

Washington has talent along the edges, but the absence of ideal play from the interior has been a significant flaw. Stacy McGee is solid against the run and in the pass rush, but not elite against either, and Matt Ioannidis thrives as a pass rusher, but struggles on the ground.

Payne is the type of player who could bridge that gap by providing an equal measure of power and explosiveness to the defensive line.

Payne is somewhat undersized for the position, but he’s a lean and muscular lineman with explosive speed and a modern game.

Payne finished the 2017 season with Pro Football Focus grades above 80.0 in the pass rush and against the run. He took his game to the next level in the National Championship Game by applying constant pressure to the quarterback and blowing up runs in the backfield.

Payne may or may not become an Aaron Donald level player, but he has the physical gifts and technique to be an immediately positive contributor.

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With an All-Pro ceiling and a championship pedigree, the Washington Redskins found a star in the making in Da’Ron Payne.

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