4 Daron Payne replacements Commanders could target after first round

1. Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma

Winfrey is another wild-card option for Washington, as he could go as high as the early second round or as low as the third. If they could trade up for Winfrey in Round 3 after taking a WR or safety in Round 2, that’d be a dream scenario.

Like Hall, Winfrey has the versatility to line up from the three-technique position. Picture this, Commanders fans: Winfrey filling the gaps alongside Jonathan Allen and Chase Young and Montez Sweat flanking them on the edge.

That’s a mouth-watering thought.

A former JUCO transfer, Winfrey burst onto the scene with a dominant showing at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he earned MVP honors. The former Sooner has limited quickness due to his tight lower half, but he’s helped by explosive hips, the power to knock blockers off-balance and ferocious hand swipes.

Though intriguing, those aren’t even our favorite traits about Winfrey. His sheer competitive edge and willingness to play through the whistle are just as important and explain why over 40 percent of his tackles in Norman went for losses.

Winfrey might not be a Day 1 starter, but having him learn under Allen and Payne for a year sounds like an ideal plan. After all, he should be ready to start in Year 2 after soaking up knowledge from Washington’s stars.

Honorable mentions: Travis Jones (UConn), DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M), Phidarian Mathis (Alabama) and John Ridgeway (Arkansas)