Grading the Redskins first-round selection of NT Da’Ron Payne
The Washington Redskins elected to shore up their defensive line with their first round pick. They got Alabama nose tackle Da’Ron Payne and he should help shore up a weak defensive line rotation.
It’s finally official. The Washington Redskins have added a nose tackle to their roster who should improve their last-ranked run defense. Da’Ron Payne had long been a target of the Redskins, and with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Vita Vea off the board they opted to take him. This may not have been the most popular move among Redskins fans, but it is one that will certainly help the team.
The Redskins didn’t have a lot of talent at the defensive tackle position coming into the 2018 offseason. Though they run a 3-4 defense, they run a lot of four-man fronts in their nickel packages, so they needed some depth up front.
In obvious run situations, Ziggy Hood wasn’t cutting it as a nose tackle. Hood struggled to bring down players and is better as a situational pass rusher. Meanwhile, Stacy McGee was a solid run stuffer, but he needs more help next to him in order to succeed. And that’s exactly what Payne will provide.
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In the 3-4 set, Payne will slot in next to McGee and his college teammate Jonathan Allen, and Payne’s run-stuffing presence will do a lot to improve the team’s ability on early downs. Payne will be able to shoot through gaps quickly as he did at the collegiate level, and that could allow the Redskins linebackers and defensive linemen more lanes opportunities to get into the backfield. Essentially, Payne will disrupt the interior of the line and that ability can’t be underestimated.
Some Redskins fans will be upset that the team passed on Derwin James. But, the fact of the matter is that he wouldn’t have had a natural starting position with the Redskins. He might have been able to succeed as a physical nickel back and box safety, but that fit could have been questionable. James could have filled a need. Payne definitely filled a need. And that’s why the Redskins opted to take him.
Payne does have some questions, particularly regarding his lack of pass rushing production. But still, he has the athletic ability and quick first step to be a high-quality pass rusher. So, if he can develop under Jim Tomsula, he will become one of the league’s best nose tackles.
Next: Redskins select Da'Ron Payne with 13th overall pick
As it stands, Payne was probably the most sensible option at 13. It could have been argued that James would have made sense, but Payne just fills a more pressing need and has a lot of talent. So, getting Payne should get a good grade given that he should be a great fit in the team’s defense.