Is Washington’s Daron Payne one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles? The eighth-year pro will man the middle of the Commanders‘ defensive line in 2025 for the first time without longtime former teammate Jonathan Allen. After a career year in 2022, Payne’s numbers took a step back in each of the last two seasons.
However, head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. singled out Payne for his impressive offseason. It wasn’t lip service. Washington’s coaches saw a different player this offseason, one who could take a leap by not playing in Allen’s shadow.
ESPN recently ranked its top 10 defensive tackles in the NFL. Dexter Lawrence of the New York Giants was No. 1, while Philadelphia’s Jalen Carter was ranked No. 3. Payne missed out on the top 10, but did land in the “also receiving votes” category.
It’s easy to forget that Payne is only 28 years old. And he’s durable. He has started every game in six of his seven NFL seasons. In 2022, Payne set career-highs in tackles (64), tackles for loss (18), sacks (11.5) and quarterback hits (20).
“The guy that, to me, he just looks really good, he looks intentful, Daron Payne, man, like every day this dude is, I’m having to tell him, ‘Hey man, let’s calm down,'” Whitt said this offseason.
“Like, I got in trouble with the head coach yesterday because I challenged that d-line, and he went after it. And I said, ‘Q [Head Coach Dan Quinn], that was my fault. I told him to, he did exactly what I told him to do.’ And so, I’ve been really pleased with the walkthroughs, everything that we’ve asked him to do. And he’s a leader, he doesn’t talk much at all, alright. But he is leading by example, and this year you can really see him taking that leadership role and taking it to the next step.”
Payne has never been known as someone who talks a lot. He allowed Allen to handle the leadership role for years because Allen was a natural for that role. With Allen gone, it’s good to see Payne assuming more ownership of the defense.
Quinn echoed Whitt’s praise.
“You know, it’s funny that you brought him up, but I walked past him today,” Quinn said. “I said, ‘Man, you’ve had a remarkable offseason.’ I felt that way through the drill work, through the skill, and everyone you just see something that jumps out differently, that’s into a new space.”
Whether Payne repeats his 2022 season or not, Washington needs him to have an impactful 2025. The Commanders are counting on him. Washington brought in players specifically to help improve the run defense. While Payne can also be a part of that solution, he’s also an excellent pass rusher. With the Commanders having some questions at edge rusher, Payne could be the answer to some of their pass-rush issues.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Did Commanders’ Daron Payne make ESPN’s top 10 defensive tackle list?