Redskins: Comparing Johnathan Hankins to the top nose tackles in the 2018 NFL Draft
Analyzing Da’Ron Payne as an option
One of the reasons that the Redskins may not feel compelled to sign Hankins is because there are some strong potential starters who will be available for the team in the 2018 NFL Draft. The 2018 draft has a handful of quality defensive tackle prospects, and they are a couple of nose tackle prospects who will certainly go in the first round.
Da’Ron Payne is one of them. The Alabama product went a bit under the radar playing alongside fellow early-round talents Minkah Fitzpatrick, Rashaan Evans, and Ronnie Harrison. But still, Payne was a big force on the team’s defensive line, and his athletic ability is off the charts.
At the Combine, Payne had a terrific performance and did a lot to establish himself as the potential top nose tackle in the class. Payne ran clocked a 4.91 second 40-yard dash with an insane 1.67 second 10-yard split. This is coming from a man who weighed in at 311 pounds. Even better, Payne was great in the movement drills and looks like a strong player for the next level.
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Payne’s on-field performance backs up the solid numbers he put up at the Combine. He was phenomenal during the Alabama run to the National Championship game, and he had some strong performances. On one drive against Clemson, Payne logged a defensive interception and made a move to get outside and brought it back 20 yards. Later, on offense, Payne caught a touchdown pass after running a short route from the backfield. He was a force on both sides during that contest, and it was one of his best games of the year.
The only concern with Payne is that his pass rushing production doesn’t always match his ability. Payne only has three sacks in three seasons, but he has produced good tackling numbers, including a career high 53 in 2017. Payne’s athleticism demonstrates that he should have a chance to become a solid pass rusher, and it could be that the other talented members of the Alabama defensive line recorded sacks that Payne was mostly responsible for. In fact, it’s likely. That’s why numbers are sometimes misleading.
Payne would be an excellent option with the Redskins’ first round pick if they don’t add a player at the position before the draft. He could be one of the best players available anyway, so he should definitely be on the Redskins radar.