After starting three seasons at defensive tackle at the University of Alabama, Da’Ron Payne is projected a first-round pick for the upcoming NFL Draft. A native of Birmingham, Ala., the former five-star prospect totaled 102 career tackles – including 52 last season and led the team with eight quarterback hurries. He was a pivotal factor behind two College Football Playoff National Championships and earned first team All-SEC honors due to his efforts in 2017.
Even more than its defensive backfield, finding a replacement for Payne at nose tackle has been a mystery thus far for the Crimson Tide in spring practice.