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It is never too early to evaluate safety depth for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht values physical, reliable defensive backs who can handle multiple responsibilities in a defensive scheme, and Todd Bowles’ defensive structure demands safeties who can communicate, tackle, and rotate seamlessly across alignments. With sub-package football continuing to dominate the league, having a steady presence on the back end who can play downhill and hold up in coverage is critical.
Tampa Bay may not need an immediate starter, but adding depth with experience and consistency is always part of the long-term plan of any winning franchise. We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Kansas State safety VJ Payne.
Payne leaves Kansas State as one of the more experienced defensive backs in this class, appearing in 52 career games and starting 42, including 41 consecutive starts to close out his career.
He stepped into a starting role early as a true freshman and never looked back, developing into a steady presence on the back end. By his senior season in 2025, Payne served as a team captain and continued to produce at a consistent level, finishing with 59 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 4 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles.
His 2024 season was similarly productive, totaling 64 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups while playing a significant snap share. Across multiple seasons, Payne consistently showed up as a reliable tackler and communicator in the secondary, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors twice.
In 2023, Payne recorded a 72.1 PFF defensive grade across 694 snaps, showing steady play across both run defense and coverage responsibilities throughout his career.
Payne brings a strong blend of size and athleticism to the position. At 6-3 and 210 pounds with 4.4 speed, he fits the mold of a modern strong safety who can match up physically while still holding his own in space.
He is at his best while playing downhill. Payne reads run concepts quickly, fills lanes with authority, and uses his frame to finish tackles. His missed tackle rate dropping to 10.7 percent in 2025 reflects growth in his technique and control as a finisher.
In coverage, Payne shows functional awareness in zone looks and enough range to contribute on the back end. While he may not be a true single-high safety at the next level, he is comfortable rotating between alignments and handling a variety of assignments within a structured defense.
His experience stands out on tape. With over 40 career starts, Payne plays with confidence and understanding, rarely looking out of place. He communicates well pre-snap and maintains discipline within his assignments.
VJ Payne projects as a mid-day 3 selection with a strong chance to stick on an NFL roster due to his size, experience, and versatility. His profile fits teams looking for dependable depth with the ability to contribute across multiple phases of the game.
In Tampa Bay, Payne would project as a rotational safety early, with immediate special-teams value. His physicality and downhill play style align well with Todd Bowles’ defensive philosophy, particularly in roles that require support in the run game and flexibility in sub-packages.
Long term, Payne has the tools to develop into a starting-caliber strong safety. His combination of size, speed, and experience gives him a solid foundation, and if his coverage consistency continues to improve, he could grow into a reliable piece on the back end of an NFL defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report on Kansas State DB VJ Payne
Continue reading...
Tampa Bay may not need an immediate starter, but adding depth with experience and consistency is always part of the long-term plan of any winning franchise. We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Kansas State safety VJ Payne.
Information
- School: Kansas State
- Conference: Big 12
- Position: Safety
- Height Weight: 6-3, 210 pounds
- Class: Senior
- Age: 22
- Hometown: Gainesville, Georgia
Background
Payne leaves Kansas State as one of the more experienced defensive backs in this class, appearing in 52 career games and starting 42, including 41 consecutive starts to close out his career.
He stepped into a starting role early as a true freshman and never looked back, developing into a steady presence on the back end. By his senior season in 2025, Payne served as a team captain and continued to produce at a consistent level, finishing with 59 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 4 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles.
His 2024 season was similarly productive, totaling 64 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups while playing a significant snap share. Across multiple seasons, Payne consistently showed up as a reliable tackler and communicator in the secondary, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors twice.
Notable Stats from 2025
- 722 total snaps
- 374 coverage snaps
- 73.3 overall defensive grade
- 54 tackles
- 10.7 percent missed tackle rate
- 16 defensive stops
- One interception
- Three pass breakups
In 2023, Payne recorded a 72.1 PFF defensive grade across 694 snaps, showing steady play across both run defense and coverage responsibilities throughout his career.
Skills
- Prototype size for the safety position
- Physical presence in the box
- Reliable tackler with improved consistency
- Strong downhill trigger in run support
- Extensive starting experience
- High football IQ and communication ability
- Versatility to align in box, slot, and deep roles
- Good long speed for his size
Payne brings a strong blend of size and athleticism to the position. At 6-3 and 210 pounds with 4.4 speed, he fits the mold of a modern strong safety who can match up physically while still holding his own in space.
He is at his best while playing downhill. Payne reads run concepts quickly, fills lanes with authority, and uses his frame to finish tackles. His missed tackle rate dropping to 10.7 percent in 2025 reflects growth in his technique and control as a finisher.
In coverage, Payne shows functional awareness in zone looks and enough range to contribute on the back end. While he may not be a true single-high safety at the next level, he is comfortable rotating between alignments and handling a variety of assignments within a structured defense.
His experience stands out on tape. With over 40 career starts, Payne plays with confidence and understanding, rarely looking out of place. He communicates well pre-snap and maintains discipline within his assignments.
Player Summary
VJ Payne projects as a mid-day 3 selection with a strong chance to stick on an NFL roster due to his size, experience, and versatility. His profile fits teams looking for dependable depth with the ability to contribute across multiple phases of the game.
In Tampa Bay, Payne would project as a rotational safety early, with immediate special-teams value. His physicality and downhill play style align well with Todd Bowles’ defensive philosophy, particularly in roles that require support in the run game and flexibility in sub-packages.
Long term, Payne has the tools to develop into a starting-caliber strong safety. His combination of size, speed, and experience gives him a solid foundation, and if his coverage consistency continues to improve, he could grow into a reliable piece on the back end of an NFL defense.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report on Kansas State DB VJ Payne
Continue reading...
