Jets Snag Steal in VJ Payne

On May 1st, Jet's snag Kansas State Safety BJ Payne in the 7th round, after 227 picks

food by.

Analysts had him pegged as a 4th or 5th rounder, with ESPN ranking him 136th overall.

At 6 foot 3 and 206 pounds, this dude's a physical freak, with 4.4 speed, making him a

steal for New York Secondary.

Payne started 42 games over 4 years, tying for 11th in Wildcat history with 52 career

appearances.

Last season, he racked up 59 tackles, three tackles for loss, one pick, and two force

fumbles in 12 starts.

His 40 consecutive starts the Cap College, that's the longest streak in team history.

Draft experts called it a 92 pick value jackpot, praising his hard hits and special teams

upside.

Jet's see him matching tight ends with his length and arm span, plus that elite track

background from high school hurdles.

Starting from linebacker in Georgia, he brings run-stopping smarts and physicality right

away.

At the combine, he posted a 10 foot 7 broad jump, 35 inch vertical, and those long 33 and

3 quarter inch arms.

Freshman year he played 14 games, then locked down as a starter with 180 tackles, four picks,

and 9.5 tackles for.

Loss from there on out.

Payne slides into a loaded safety group, with Minka Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton, Malachai

Moore, and Andrei Sisko, plus special team's potential under Chris.

Banjo.

GM Darren Moogie loves the height, speed, and ball skills.

Expect his captain to push for reps early.