2018 NFL Mock Draft: With Jets win, QB no longer guaranteed

By Brad Weiss | Sep 27, 2017

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans passes against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at California Memorial Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Berkeley, California. The USC Trojans defeated the California Golden Bears 30-20. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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FAYETTEVILLE, AR – OCTOBER 8: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide on the field during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Razorback Stadium on October 8, 2016 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Razorbacks 49-30. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Da'Ron Payne

Defensive Tackle, Alabama

The New England Patriots looked so bad in Week 1 that the whole country was writing them off for dead. Maybe it is because Tom Brady is getting older, but it seems like everytime they lose an early-season game, it means their run is over. Well, they have won two straight, and after a classic Brady effort in their comeback win against the Houston Texans last weekend, they proved they are far from dead.

While the Patriots usually trade away their first round picks, if they do keep their pick next April, look for them to bring in some more talent along the defensive line. Head coach Bill Belichick is a defensive guru, so whoever is selected by the team will be in great hands. Da’Ron Payne is a freakishly good defensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide, and would fit what the Patriots do perfectly.

Payne has been an anchor on an Alabama defense that is rated as one of the best of all time. Somehow, the Crimson Tide are better than the team that went to the national title game last season, and Payne is a big reason why. The Patriots have been known to strike gold in the NFL Draft, and getting Payne this late in round one would be a solid pick for Belichick and his coaching staff.

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