The seventh round of the NFL Draft isn’t typically where star power is found, but that's a narrative likely to shift. Now, former Kansas State safety VJ Payne has an opportunity to prove he was undervalued, with early indications suggesting he has what it takes to carve out a real role at the next level.
Kansas State S VJ Payne earns promising spot with New York Jets
With the 228th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets opted for a safety. There were still plenty of names on the board, but with time running out, they went with Payne.
Earlier projections by both ESPN and The Athletic slated Payne as an early-to-middle sixth round pick, with other mock drafts ranking him as high as the fourth round. Roundups consisted of four teams: the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans and Lost Angeles Chargers.
Those same projections were scrapped halfway through the sixth round as Payne fell further. Now, he's headed to New York, entering one of the best backfields in the NFL with blooming potential.
What makes VJ Payne so dangerous on defense?
During his time at Kansas State from 2022 to 2025, Payne totaled 207 tackles, 142 of them solo, four interceptions and four forced fumbles. He also recorded a sack his freshman season in the Sugar Bowl agianst the Alabama Crimson Tide.
But the best part about Payne isn't that he can tackle; that's only part of the job. His steady progression throughout his college career shows that he can adapt, and knows how to build. Not only that, but he's physical. And sure, every player at the highest level of competition is physical, but it's the physical ones who grew as established college competition that stand out.
Payne was also one of two Kansas State starters from last season to earn an invite to the NFL Combine back in March. At the combine, Payne posted a 4.40 40-yard dash, a 35" vertical jump and a 10'7" broad jump.
He ranked sixth among all safeties at the combine, earning an athleticism grade of 78. In terms of rookie development, that's the sweet spot, especially in the later rounds of the draft.
Payne adding depth to an already bolstered Jets backfield
The Jets have no shortage of talent in the backfield. Ahead of the 2026 season, the room consists of veterans like Minkah Fitzpatrick and former Syracuse defender Andre Cisco. Entering the season as a safety, the majority of his reps likely come behind those two.
If Payne can replicate the impact he made with the Wildcats in that same span, those early reps won’t stay developmental for long. They could quickly turn into meaningful game action as soon as next season.
And should that transition happen fast, it wouldn't be surprising seeing him push for a larger role by 2027. Everything he's shown so far, it's turned heads; expect much of the same next season
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