The Jets got good value at a position of need with their final pick in the draft (228th overall) when they grabbed Kansas State safety VJ Payne. An experienced defender (52 games) who logged 10 passes defended and four interceptions in his time at K-State.
He has excellent size at 6′ 3” 206, Payne shows impressive range on film and is strong coming up in run support. According to PFF, Payne played 386 snaps in the box in 2025 and picked up 54 tackles. In coverage, he allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete just 47% of their pass attempts. That was good enough for seventh in the country among draft eligible safeties who played at least 350 snaps.
On a roster with plenty of questions at the safety position, Payne will have a good chance to get on the field as a rookie given his “jack of all trades” profile.
