rangy, productive K-State safety with NFL upside
VJ Payne was a 2025 All-Big 12 honorable mention safety for Kansas State who started all 12 games and posted 59 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, one interception, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles in the 2025 season. He’s the kind of defender coaches love: long (6-3, about 206-211 pounds), physical, and versatile enough to impact run support and coverage while bringing steady production and a high-effort feel. The knock? He projects more as a reliable, scheme-friendly safety than a pure headline-grabber—but that’s exactly why he fits so many defenses.
