Read on Twitter
When I watched Lavonte David the other day, I peeked at a LB on one of the opposing teams to pass time rather than jump around on gamepass. Former Jaguars LB Donald Payne, who was starting his first career game, stood out. So here's a short little thread about why I loved it.
Payne came out of Stetson in 2017 listed at 5'11" and 217 pounds while running a 4.55.
- Listed at defensive back at Stetson
- Three time all-American
- 538 career tackles (near top in D1 history)
- Went undrafted
- Picked up by Jags off waivers after 2017 preseason
- Listed at defensive back at Stetson
- Three time all-American
- 538 career tackles (near top in D1 history)
- Went undrafted
- Picked up by Jags off waivers after 2017 preseason
- Played special teams his first two seasons with the team
- Registered only 3 defensive snaps in 2017 and 2018
- Overcame a knee injury in 2018 that put him on IR
- Waived by Jags in May 2019
- Signed by Ravens in August 2019
- Sent to practice squad after two weeks
- Registered only 3 defensive snaps in 2017 and 2018
- Overcame a knee injury in 2018 that put him on IR
- Waived by Jags in May 2019
- Signed by Ravens in August 2019
- Sent to practice squad after two weeks
- Cut two weeks later
- Was not with a team for almost two months
- Spent a month playing special teams
- Took over starting job in week 13 vs Bucs due to injuries
Let's pause the story here, as it's the tape I got to see for him.
- Was not with a team for almost two months
- Spent a month playing special teams
- Took over starting job in week 13 vs Bucs due to injuries
Let's pause the story here, as it's the tape I got to see for him.
Payne played linebacker, not safety, working in the middle of the field as a 5'11" and 217 pounder. While his athleticism had some questionable moments, his processing and ability to adapt stood out for a player making his first career start.
He was limited in a lot of ways, sure, but his ability to do his job & fill a role stood out. He capitalized on the opening he got, even though it took 3 years to do so. It was clear the effort he put in to reach that point just based on his style of play.
Story (continued)
- Payne collected 58 tackles in the five games he started, and finished the year as the starter.
- Washington signed him a few days ago.
While this isn't anything out of the ordinary for players to get an opportunity & succeed, it got me excited to see it.
- Payne collected 58 tackles in the five games he started, and finished the year as the starter.
- Washington signed him a few days ago.
While this isn't anything out of the ordinary for players to get an opportunity & succeed, it got me excited to see it.
It's a win for the scouting staff to identify a contributor and keep tabs throughout his NFL journey. It's a win for the coaches in being able to develop him and play to his abilities. It's a win for Payne, to take advantage of the window.
6-10 team, but that's one to celebrate.
6-10 team, but that's one to celebrate.
