NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Could Saquon Barkley fall to the Redskins at No. 13?

Da’Ron Payne is a lineman with exceptional upside. Washington Redskins fans likely won’t be happy to see him go to the Cowboys in the NFL Draft in this mock, but the pick is a logical choice for a franchise that needs talent on the defensive line.

One could argue that Vita Vea would be the better pick here. In fact, I’m not so sure I’m sold on the Cowboys passing over Vea. But I feel as if the Cowboys would value Payne’s length and explosiveness over Vea’s refined, albeit inconsistent level of play. Our own Jacob Camenker had the following to say of Payne’s play.

"Despite his 6-foot-2, 320 pound frame, Payne has excellent movement skills and is a very fast player. He will be able to quickly shoot gaps and overpower interior defensive linemen at the nose tackle position, and that could make him strong against the run and the pass. In the modern NFL, collapsing the interior of the pocket is one of the most important skills, and Payne’s ability to do that will make him an attractive candidate."

Editorials: The Redskins should avoid drafting a defensive lineman in Round 1

Payne is an enticing power on the defensive line, and there’s no guarantee that the Washington Redskins won’t pass him or Vita Vea by. But if Barkley falls, then a few talented players in the NFL Draft are likely to fall with him. Thus, Payne falls to this pick. And the Cowboys have their starting defensive tackle.