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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Allen heads to Browns

By Brad Weiss

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen throws during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen throws during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne (94) battles with Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 08: Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne (94) battles with Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs on January 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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

The Atlanta Falcons made it back to the playoffs last season, this after blowing the biggest fourth quarter lead in Super Bowl history the previous season. While the team struggled out of the gate, most likely due to a Super Bowl hangover, they really came together towards the middle of the season. They will be a team to beat in 2018, and they should add to their defensive line with their first round pick next week.

With Dontari Poe leaving the roster, they have a big hole to fill in the middle of their defensive line. One player who could be available this late in round one is Da’Ron Payne, who played a big role in the Alabama Crimson Tide winning two of the last three national titles. With strength on the edge, adding Payne to  the middle of the defensive line could make this Falcons defense very dangerous in 2018.

Payne is a big body, and he has the feet to make him very disruptive at the next level. With all the talent this team has on the offensive side of the ball, getting the defense to catch up will make it pretty scary for the rest of the division. Remember, three of the four teams made it to the playoffs last season, making this offseason that much more important to the Dirty Birds.

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