Former Kansas State safety VJ Payne is in the NFL.
The New York Jets selected the former Wildcats defensive back in the seventh round with the No. 228 overall pick, loading its secondary with a late-round selection. He was expected to go earlier in the Draft, potentially being selected around the fourth or fifth round after a stellar display at the Senior Bowl. Ironically, some of his now-AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots, were among those projected to acquire him.
But alas, here we are, and many believe his selection in the seventh round is a steal. ESPN was among those that lauded Payne's size and mechanics, but expressed concern about some of his statistics and ability to tackle in space.
The article wrote:
"Payne joins a crowded safety room, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick, Malachi Moore, Dane Belton and Andre Cisco. It will be tough for Payne to crack this group, but he can make his mark on special teams. Payne (6-foot-3, 206 pounds) has rare size for a safety, including an 81-inch wingspan. He had some missed-tackle issues in college, and his ball production wasn't stellar (four career interceptions and 13 passes defensed). He's versatile, having played free and strong safety and big nickel."
Payne spent four seasons with Kansas State, recording 196 total tackles, 13 pass deflections, 10.5 tackles for loss, and four interceptions. He was a two-time Honorable Mention for the All-Big 12 teams in his last two seasons. Payne matched up well against tight ends with his size, but his run defense could be better, especially against the run-heavy teams in the AFC East. The Patriots and Buffalo Bills boasted some of the best rushing attacks in the league, emphasizing the need to set the tone upfront in divisional matchups.
Still, Payne will be good for depth and competition in a relatively solid New York secondary.
"I know how to use my length to my advantage, and then also my versatility," Payne said to Jets reporters after he was drafted. "I know how to play man coverage on bigger tight ends, line up against your receivers, if that's the case. But, just my versatility, how to use all my skill sets."
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