Philadelphia Eagles rival watch: Washington Redskins add Da’Ron Payne
The Philadelphia Eagles will still be better than the Washington Redskins in 2018, but they may have a problem on their hands.
In 2017, the Philadelphia Eagles finally figured a way around the Washington Redskins. In 2018, they should be able to extend their new winning streak. They will, however, have a new rookie defensive tackle to worry about.
The Redskins decided to go with defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne. He’s formerly of the Alabama Crimson Tide. He also gives them some punch in the trenches. They may shed those memories of Albert Haynesworth after all.
What does this pick mean?
Payne may actually be everything that Haynesworth was supposed to be. To many, he was seen as the second-best defensive tackle in the entire 2018 NFL Draft, right behind Vita Vea of the Washington Huskies. Here’s a scouting report on Payne courtesy of WalterFootball.com:
"Payne had 47 tackles, two sacks and a pass batted in 2017. He was superb, showcasing his freakish speed and athleticism. Payne was a tremendous run defender all year, shutting down his gap and keeping teams from running the ball on Alabama. When the Crimson Tide let him rush the passer, Payne demonstrated the ability to collapse the pocket and pressure the quarterback as well. He was superb in the playoff games against Clemson and Georgia."
Here’s more from NFL.com’s scouting report:
"Payne possesses one of the most impressive combinations of strength and athleticism that we’ve seen from an interior lineman. He will be the premier run-stuffer in this draft, but he may have enough in the pass rushing toolbox to project as a better pro than college pass rusher. Payne is a game-ready starter who immediately upgrades a defense’s ability to slow the run. If teams view him as just a run-down player, then his draft value could fall a little, but he could become a Pro Bowl defender early in his career."
So far, it still seems as though the NFC East still belongs to the Eagles.
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Though Payne is talented. The balance of power hasn’t shifted yet. The Eagles possess the best offensive line in football, and that line should be able to continue to protect whoever is in the lineup and under center, Carson Wentz or Nick Foles.
Payne isn’t just a great run stopper. He’s also a great pass rusher. Still, Philly should also be able to continue to make holes for Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement and the rest of the Eagles backfield.
The Eagles can still lay claim to the best roster in the NFC East, but when a rival gets stronger in the trenches, it’s definitely worth taking notes.