NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Kansas State S VJ Payne

VJ Payne has the enticing frame, tenacity and athletic profile that NFL teams will drool over. His Senior Bowl practices showed flashes of a higher ceiling player than the one who played at Kansas State, and he's already a natural force defender against the run. A linebacker-turned-safety in college, Payne's downhill ability shows up time and time again.

A former 3-star recruit out of Georgia, he's been an all-around contributor for Kansas State and amassed 207 tackles (141 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, 10 passes defensed and four forced fumbles throughout his collegiate career.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Where He Wins

David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

— Payne is a force multiplier against the run thanks to his linebacker background and ability to drive through ball-carriers.

— Has the tools and physical mentality to flex as a big nickel and man up against tight ends.

— Displays good range from a split alignment and closes on catch points well to disrupt potential catches.

Areas of Improvement

Bryan Byerly/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

— Payne is a slow processor on the back end, which places him behind plays contributing to poor tackling angles.

— His change of direction and transitions are stiff and leggy making stop and start an issue in pursuit.

— Instincts are developing and he guesses while watching quarterback's eyes, which takes him away from the play.

— Doesn't play with a sense of urgency at all times.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

GRADE: 6.7 (Role Player/Part-Time Contributor - Fourth Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: S Jonas Sanker, Virginia (6.7 in 2025), S Kenny Logan Jr., Kansas (6.7 in 2024), Sydney Brown, S, Illinois (6.6 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 141

POSITION RANK: S13

PRO COMPARISON: Montae Nicholson

Measurables and Testing Data

Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

Height: 6'3¼"
Weight: 206
Hand Size: 9½"
Arm Length: 33¾"
Wingspan: N/A

40-yard dash: 4.4
10-yard split: 1.52
Vertical: 35"
Broad: 10'7"
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Bench: N/A