The New York Jets have selected Kansas State safety VJ Payne with the #228 pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

VJ Payne is a 22 year old, 6’ 3”, 206 pound safety with 34” arms and 4.4 speed. He has great speed and length for the position. Last year Payne racked up 59 tackles, three tackles for loss and one interception. He earned Honorable Mention All Big 12 honors each of the last two years.

VJ Payne projects as a coverage safety in the NFL. He has great speed and range and reads and reacts reasonably well. His tackling in run support is less impressive. In the seventh round a safety with Payne’s measurables is worth trying to develop.

Barring a trade back into the seventh round, that should conclude the New York Jets’ 2026 draft.

What do you think? Are you pleased with this pick? Are you pleased with the Jets’ draft class?