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Redskins: 3 top candidates to make the All-Rookie team

By Jacob Camenker

BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 14: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The LSU defeated the Auburn 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 14: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers runs the ball during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The LSU defeated the Auburn 27-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Because of all the hype being given to guys like Quinn and Guice, Daron Payne has flown under the radar a bit. The Alabama nose tackle was the first overall pick by Washington, and he does plug a massive hole for the squad. So, there’s a real chance that he could make a huge impact on the team and have a shot at making the All-Rookie team as well.

Payne has virtually no competition for a starting role in the Redskins defense. While Tim Settle and Phil Taylor are currently on the roster, both figure to be rotational players at the most while Payne should see plenty of action alongside Jonathan Allen. Payne possesses great athleticism, and that could give him a fighting chance to shoot through gaps and become a sack artist, which is something he didn’t do much of in college.

At the very least, Payne should be a monster run stuffer for the Redskins, and he could help to catapult their unit to a top 10 defense. Realistically, they have patched almost every significant hole, though some still question the No. 2 corner and slot corner roles, and Payne will be a big part of that. If the Redskins defense does drastically improve, people will take notice of his abilities and may credit him as being a part of that.

Payne was also one of the top defensive tackles selected, as only Vita Vea went in front of him. This will already give him name recognition with many and in the event that he is statistically similar to other top candidates for the All-Rookie team, he will probably get the nod because of this.

Next: Analyzing the Redskins receiving corps

Don’t sleep on Payne just because he’s a nose tackle. He could end up being the most impactful rookie on this squad. But no matter what, the Redskins will be happy with any production they get out of their top picks. If they can help turn the team into a playoff contender, then they should get a warm reception from fans in Washington.

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