Regarded as a stout run defender with the strength and athleticism to add a pass rushing element to his game ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft, Daron Payne blew away initial expectations in his first season with the Washington Redskins.
Playing in all sixteen games of the regular season, Payne wreaked havoc on opposing offensive lines, logging 5.0 sacks, three pass deflections, 56 total tackles, six tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.
Payne’s rookie campaign was nearly deserving of a Pro Bowl bid, and as long as he continues to develop under defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, Payne should be a staple of the Redskins defense for years to come.