Alabama’s former big man on the defensive line is headed for a big payday. Da’Ron Payne became the second former Alabama player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night when he was selected by the Washington Redskins with the No. 13 pick.
Two picks earlier, Minkah Fitzpatrick came off the board when he was selected by the Miami Dolphins. In Washington, Payne will play on the same defense as former teammates Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson.
Payne ended his college career with back-to-back star performances, claiming defensive MVP honors in both the Sugar Bowl and College Football National Championship Game. Known for his run-stopping prowess, he tallied 53 tackles and a sack with a team-high eight quarterback hurries and three pass breakups while starting all 14 games for the Crimson Tide last season. Payne earned second-team All-America accolades from the American Football Coaches Association and was selected as a first-team All-SEC member by The Associated Press.
While at Alabama, Payne bench-pressed 545 pounds and squatted 635 pounds. He demonstrated that strength several times, often bull-rushing offensive lineman off the line. The 6-foot-2, 311-pound defensive tackle also recorded a 4.95 time in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine which should serve as proof he is athletic enough to be a three-down lineman at the next level.
