Roll Skins! Call us the Burgundy (and gold) Tide! The Redskins did what most thought they would do and drafted Alabama 6’3″ 311lb defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne. Payne was listed as my #1 defensive lineman, just barely edging out Washingtons Vita Vea (who was taken one pick before Payne).

Payne should start immediately next to Jonathan Allen and hopefully recreate the most dominant run-stuffing defenses in college football over the last two years. Unlike Allen, Payne is considered to be more of a prototypical nose tackle since he weighs 311lbs but he is just as versatile as Allen. He played everywhere on the Alabama line and even a little fullback (see national semi-final game against Clemson). When you watch the tape, you can tell just how strong he is. He is constantly getting double teamed but doesn’t give ground.  He’s so fluid with his movements that he sometimes split double teams with ease and creates immediate pressure. Also, every now and then he will jump a snap count and put the guard 5 yards into the back field completely destroying a play. Oh and did I mention he bats down passes? This guy is so pro-ready it makes my head hurt.

Simply put, I am fired up for this pick.  Payne was a force for Alabama all year and especially in their biggest games. He helped shut down Clemsons high powered offense (6 points total and 66 rush yards on 33 carries) and held Georgia’s Nick Chubb to 25 yards on 18 carries in the National Championship game. Also, Payne is only 20 years old! He may still have some room to grow. Hopefully Payne will become the anchor our defense has needed and be a force at the point of attack for years to come.

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