The NFL Draft is less than a month away, which means mock Drafts are starting to solidify and extend to pinpoint where every team's picks could land.
Kansas State fans will be watching in Pittsburgh, PA, this year to see where their former stars will head in their professional careers. Center Sam Hecht and safety VJ Payne have stamped their NFL tickets and slowly climbed up the Draft boards after solid Senior Days. ESPN posted a seven-round mock Draft predicting where Payne and Hecht could land.
80. Sam Hecht - Baltimore Ravens
2025 STATS: Zero sacks or quarterback hits allowed
"Tyler Linderbaum left via free agency, creating a gigantic hole in the middle of the offensive line that the draft's top center prospect can fill," the article wrote.
Hecht is a two-time All-Big 12 selection, nearly becoming the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. Over his last two seasons, Hecht didn't allow a sack and gave up just one quarterback hit.
This is essential for a Baltimore team looking to replace three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum. Offensive line is a must for the Ravens to protect two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, who uses his legs like Wildcats quarterback Avery Johnson. Jackson needs pocket protection, one of the Ravens' more glaring issues over the past few seasons.
87. VJ Payne - Miami Dolphins
2025 STATS: 59 TOT TKLS, 3 TFL, 4 PD, 2 FF
"The trade of Minkah Fitzpatrick and loss of Ashtyn Davis in free agency mean a starter is needed at safety," the article wrote. "Payne is an elite mover with top-tier finishing ability as a tackler."
Payne, a Wildcats veteran and Big 12 champion, has the length and versatility in the secondary to lock down opposing receivers. He did well against some of the best tight ends in the Big 12 last season, including Baylor standout Michael Trigg.
Payne would be an ideal option for Miami as it tries to add star power to a secondary that lost major names over the past few months. His Draft profile suggests he needs to tighten up a bit as a run defender, especially as the AFC East boasts some of the best rushing units in the league.
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