With an NFL draft class totaling eight players, four of whom were selected in the top 50, it’s often easy to gloss over some of the Day 3 prospects. After all, most fans don’t think a seventh-round safety or sixth-round offensive lineman can make much of an impact that was revamped at both positions.

Yet, Kansas State safety VJ Payne is an interesting case. Most draft experts pegged him to be an early day three selection — expected to hear his name called as early as the fourth round.

When he was available at pick No. 228, the Jets were thrilled.

“Height, weight, speed, clean makeup, has ball production,” Jets general manager Darren Mougey said. “[Payne] is a safety who can really run.”

While it may seem like the team is loaded at safety heading into 2026, the Jets understand a fundamental truth about their roster: A team could never have too many quality football players.

A seventh-round steal?

On paper, the safety room has become a strength for the New York Jets’ depth chart after years of perceived neglect. New York acquired All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick in a trade with the rival Miami Dolphins. They also signed Dane Belton to compete with former fourth-round rookie Malachi Moore and potentially veteran Andre Cisco.

As a developmental piece and potential special teams player, the Jets couldn’t do much better than Payne in the seventh round.

As rookie minicamp kicks off later this week, the 22-year-old Georgia native will get an opportunity to stand out in key ways to a Jets defense that is just beginning to work through their new faces to the unit.

The young safety is also confident in his greatest asset.

“My speed,” is what Payne cited. “I know how to use my length to my advantage. And then, also, my versatility. I know how to play man coverage on bigger tight ends (and) also line up against shiftier receivers, if that’s the case. But you know, just my versatility and knowing how to use all my skillsets, honestly.”

It’s easy to see how a quality rookie safety may be considered logjammed at the position for play time this year. There are only so many people who can see the field at a time, and the Jets have plenty of depth this year.

However, if VJ Payne can make a good impression this week at rookie camp, the New York Jets just might be willing to give him more opportunities going forward.