Washington Redskins Draft Defensive Tackle Da’Ron Payne
The first-round mock drafts can finally come to an end (for now). The Washington Redskins have selected Alabama Defensive Tackle Da’Ron Payne with their 13th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Welcome to D.C., Da'Ron Payne! #HTTR #SkinsDrafthttps://t.co/i7JHl4qSmH pic.twitter.com/VxjFbOKfvc
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 27, 2018
Payne will be reunited with former college teammates Johnathan Allen and Ryan Anderson in Washington.
Payne appeared in 44 games and recorded 102 tackles (five for loss) along with six passes defended, three sacks, two fumbles recoveries, one interception, and one forced fumble for the Crimson Tide. Payne’s most notable performance at Alabama was in the National Championship game where he set career highs for pressures (seven) and run stops (six).
Payne impressed teams around the league after putting up impressive numbers at the 2018 NFL Combine. The 6-foot-2, 311 pounder recorded a 4.95-second 40-yard dash time, 27 bench press reps, and ran a 20-yard shuttle drill in less than 4.75 seconds.
The Redskins needed to man the trenches on the defensive side of the ball after last season. The Redskins had the worst run defense in the NFL last year and Payne may just be the missing piece the Redskins need to stop the run.
The second and third-round selections begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 27. Heres a look at the Redskins remaining picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Round 2, Pick 12 (No. 44 overall)
Round 4, Pick 9 (No. 109 overall)
Round 5, Pick 5 (No. 142 overall)
Round 5, Pick 26 (No. 163 overall)
Round 6, Pick 31 (No. 205 overall)
Round 7, Pick 13 (No. 231 overall)
Round 7, Pick 23 (No. 241 overall)
