NFL Draft 2018 player rankings – Saquon Barkley worthy of top pick?
Da'Ron Payne
DT, Alabama
Da’Ron Payne is the next dominant Alabama defensive lineman. He’s another massive body that closes up any holes before the offensive line can attempt to open them. At 6’2″ and 319 pounds, he’s a wide body to stop.
Against Vanderbilt, Payne and the rest of the crew made sure the Commodores went absolutely nowhere. They held their opponents to 78 total yards in what was one of the most masterful defensive performances in program history.
Payne was consistently beating his man in front of him and the offensive line had no answer for him. His size just makes him so immensely strong and he knows how to use it overpower the man across from him.
His stock is going to continue to rise as the year goes and Alabama running through their opponents will only help. Alabama defensive linemen are hot commodities at the next level and he’s following that path.
Tyquan Lewis
DL, Ohio State
After the tough loss to Oklahoma a couple of weeks ago, Ohio State has had two games to get themselves right before they have their next conference game. The Buckeyes took care of business against Army and in Week 4, Tyquan Lewis and company made a statement against UNLV.
Lewis showed why he is one of the best defensive linemen in the nation with some bone-chilling hits and finished with a half of a sack on the day. The way the defensive line works for Ohio State is like a work of art.
Lewis is one of the leaders of the group and his ability to close at the point of attack with such finesse and power makes him one of the best. Watching him drive UNLV quarterback Armani Rogers straight into the ground is something that will show up in his highlight reel.
If the Buckeyes had a bad taste in their mouths after that Oklahoma game, they’re going to be feeling good for the stretch run now. They used these past two games to get right and Lewis and company are ready to take the charge for this program.