Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: Full Round 1 mock for all 32 teams amid NFL Scouting Combine

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers looks on as Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Thomas Davis of the Carolina Panthers looks on as Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell speaks during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with the defensive player of the game trophy after the AllState Sugar Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 01: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates with the defensive player of the game trophy after the AllState Sugar Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Alabama. Da'Ron Payne. 26. player. 44. . Defensive Tackle

There’s a good chance the Atlanta Falcons let defensive tackle Dontari Poe walk in free agency this offseason, meaning head coach Dan Quinn likely turns back to this side of the ball with the team’s first pick.

The Falcons have a good EDGE presence with pass-rushers Adrian Clayborn and Takkarist McKinley, but what would make these two even more prolific is having a disruptive force towards the interior of the defensive line.

Alabama defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne seems like a perfect fit here — someone capable of taking over for Poe at a much cheaper rate.

While known more for his run-stopping abilities, Payne is the kind of player capable of locking up two blockers, therefore allowing Atlanta’s remaining pass-rushers to exploit additional gaps.

That’s vital in the NFC South.