#9 – Alabama DT Da’Ron Payne
Payne became a household name with his touchdown reception against Clemson in the Sugar Bowl, but the 6-foot-2, 308-pound defensive lineman has been on the NFL’s radar since last season.
Much like Ridley, the Giants are unlikely to select Payne due to his position. Big Blue looks set at the defensive tackle position with both Damon Harrison and Tomlinson, but that doesn’t mean general manager Dave Gettleman won’t look to bolster the interior defensive line through free agency or the draft.
Kiper lists Payne as the third best defensive tackle prospect for the 2018 draft class and ranks him No. 23 overall on his Big Board. Miller also has high praise for Alabama’s defensive lineman, ranking him No. 25 overall and second among defensive linemen.
Giants fans should keep an eye on Payne and fellow Alabama defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand in the College Football Playoff title game. Both players will likely be on NFL rosters next season, but Payne is generating the most draft buzz among the Tide’s defensive linemen.