As college football stars prepare for their potential journeys to the pros, a few former Kansas State standouts are waiting for their calls in Pittsburgh, PA, as well.
Former Wildcats safety VJ Payne is one of them, now officially in the NFL Draft conversations. The site posted his prospect profile, highlighting his length and versatility as characteristics for scouts to look out for.
The site wrote:
"Long and rangy, Payne is a durable 42-game starter and team captain who can play inside the box, over the slot and as a split safety. His coverage tape pops more than his run support and tackling. He reads and responds with good timing from depth and uses his length to smother the catch point in man coverage when matched inside. Payne held his own against three of the Big 12’s best receiving tight ends in 2025. He will do his job as a run defender but lacks an enforcer’s conviction and gets hung up on blocks too easily. Payne’s measurables and coverage versatility improve his chances of becoming a productive pro."
In his four seasons with Kansas State, Payne had 196 total tackles, 10.5 of which were for losses, four interceptions, and 13 pass deflections. Above all, he talked about the maturity he underwent as a Wildcat, developing under one of the most consistent programs in the conference.
“The maturity level at Kansas State is up there," Payne said at the Combine. "We talk about the standard a lot, just holding that standard and bringing it with me here. Showing up to interviews 10 minutes ahead of time, or even earlier. And just carrying yourself with respect for others.”
Former Kansas State coach Chris Klieman lauded Payne as one of the leaders in the defensive back room last season.
"VJ is the unquestioned leader back there in the secondary," Klieman said in a pre-season interview. "VJ’s been a three-year starter for us. He’s one of a handful of guys who started in the Big 12 championship in 2022, and now has been a two-year great player for us. He’s coming into his last year, and he’s turned into one of our best leaders, which he needs to be."
Kansas State has seen a major spike in NFL Draft picks over the last few seasons, including defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (Kansas City Chiefs), safety Marques Sigle (San Francisco 49ers), and cornerback Jacob Parrish (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Payne's name is already being mentioned to the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings. Hopefully, he can add to the list of Wildcats products this April.
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