Head coach Jay Gruden and the Washington Redskins believe they made a sound investment in selecting former University of Alabama defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
With it having Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson to rush the quarterback, Payne clogs the middle on rushing plays and can also create pressure. Washington made it official with Payne on Thursday, as the 311-pounder signed a four-year deal worth $14.4 million – according to a tweet from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
His signing bonus is $8.56 million, while his entire contract is fully guaranteed.
The Birmingham, Ala., native is looking at $3.6 million base salary, following a stellar career with the Crimson Tide as he helped the program win a pair of Southeastern Conference championships (2015-16) and two College Football Playoff national titles in 2015 and 2017.
Payne won first-team All-SEC honors after totaling 53 tackles and a team-high eight quarterback hurries a season ago. He recorded a time of 4.95 seconds in the 40-yard dash and turned in 27 reps on the bench at the NFL Scouting Combine. Washington carried the league’s worst rushing defense in 2017, however, the addition of Payne solves a need along the defensive front.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
