Commanders draft Daron Payne replacement in Alabama’s Phidarian Mathis

The Washington Commanders‘ defensive line has been their biggest strength for the better part of three seasons.

However, their depth took a major blow this offseason when they lost Tim Settle, who sought more playing time in free agency, and released Matt Ioannidis to free up the necessary cap space for Carson Wentz’s $28 million salary.

The outlook of the line worsened on draft week when it was reported the Commanders weren’t expected to extend Daron Payne. It was surmised that this could throw a wrench into the team’s drafting strategy and that’s exactly what happened.

With their No. 47 overall pick, Washington drafted Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, seemingly foreshadowing Payne’s eventual departure.

The Commanders drafted Alabama DT Phidarian Mathis in the second round on Friday night.

This pick comes as a surprise considering prospects like Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker and Wyoming linebacker Chad Muma, among others, were all available, but the Commanders decided to play it safe and fill a major hole at defensive tackle.

Depending on what happens with Payne over the course of the next 48 hours — or the remainder of the offseason — Mathis could step into a starting role as a rookie. At the very least, he’ll be the top backup behind Payne and Jonathan Allen.

Though not the sexiest pick on the board, there’s something to be said about getting an immediate contributor with your second-round pick.

Given the lack of depth at the position behind Payne and Allen, — James Smith-Williams, Efe Obada and Daniel Wise are the only backups with experience on the roster — the Commanders were smart to bypass the popular “best player available” strategy that most teams adopt in this range of the draft.

Widely recognized for his prowess against the run, Mathis made serious strides as a pass rusher this past season in Tuscaloosa, recording a career-high 53 tackles, 12 for loss and nine sacks before earning second-team All-SEC honors.

As a permanent team captain in 2021, Mathis fits the mold of character Washington has sought in its draft picks under Ron Rivera. A virtual clone of Payne, the former Crimson Tide standout is a solid second-round choice for the Commanders.