NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Leighton Vander Esch #38 of the Boise State Broncos celebrates with the trophy after the Broncos defeated the Oregon Ducks in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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Da'Ron Payne. 31. player. 47. . Defensive Lineman. Alabama

If the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl loss showed us anything, besides the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles are absolutely stacked, it’s that the Patriots are seriously lacking on the defensive side of the ball, in terms of talent.

The team traded for Danny Shelton early last week, but they still need more raw talent on the defensive line. Besides Malcolm Brown, no other proven players reside on the roster there. The team has starters in place, but their depth is severely stunted, and that showed during the Super Bowl.

Thus, it makes sense that the New England Patriots, with this pick in the NFL Draft, would go with one of the best defensive linemen still on the board: Alabama’s Da’Ron Payne.

Payne, 6-foot-2, 306, is supremely athletic, and he has very impressive length for a defensive lineman. He brings solid effort to every play, giving any defense he plays in top-notch energy. His production doesn’t line up with his reputation, and he is a bit inconsistent, but if there’s any team that can harness his potential and help him flourish, it’s the New England Patriots.

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