2018 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Select DT Da’Ron Payne at No. 26

With the 26th pick of the 2018 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select...

Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama

The selection and write-up were made by BrianB77:

Choosing in the late 20’s is generally a sign of having a pretty good football team. Even good football teams however, have areas that can be improved with high quality first round draft picks. The position the Falcons can get the most impact from is DT. Being the best DT still remaining on the board makes my choice Da’Ron Payne from Alabama. Payne is a very strong and athletic tackle who excelled as a run stopper. His impressive run stopping ability will make an immediate impact on the Falcons D-Line. He will occupy blockers and free up space for Atlanta’s linebackers.

A fair question is if his pass rushing ability is good enough to make him a three down player and justify his first round selection. He flashed his best pass rushing potential on college football’s biggest stage. He was named defensive player of the game for both of Alabama’s playoff games. He was a respected leader of a team that won two National Championships in three years. He carries himself as a professional with a strong work ethic who showed much improvement in his pass rushing from his Sophomore to his Junior years. He is also young at 20 years of age and has tremendous potential to further build and refine his pass rushing. If he can fulfill this potential he will become a fearsome defender teams will have to scheme against and fans will see in multiple Pro Bowls.

Pokorny: “In a division with two other really good rushing teams, I like the decision here for Atlanta to focus on improving an already-decent run defense.”

The New Orleans Saints are up next, led by Legoman0721.