VJ Payne NFL Draft Interview: Being An Alpha + Senior Bowl Goals

The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Kansas State safety VJ Payne plans on taking full advantage. Payne recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.

Payne also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his versatility at safety, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Payne better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.

JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?

VJ Payne: I was at Kansas State. The coaching staff pulled a couple of us aside at the end of practice. Coach [Chris] Klieman ran through a list of names that had been invited to the Senior Bowl.

I was so excited. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I’ve always wanted to play in the Senior Bowl. I wanted to go out with a bang. This is huge for me. It was on my to-do list.

JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?

VJ Payne: You see big-time prospects play in the Senior Bowl every single year. I know this is a great way for me to improve my pre-draft stock. Why not accept the offer? It’s another opportunity for me to go out there and showcase myself against the best of the best. It was simple.

JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?

VJ Payne: I want to prove they’re getting a good football player when they draft me. I’m also a great person off the field. I stay out of trouble and keep my head in the playbook. On the field, you’re getting a physical player.

I’m an excellent communicator. I play fast and physical.

JM: We love the confidence. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us. What are your traits and abilities at safety?

VJ Payne: I’m fast and physical. I love using my length to my advantage. I can play man coverage in those man-to-man situations. I want to reiterate that I’m an excellent communicator on the field. I love being vocal and communicating with my teammates.

I’m the kinda guy who makes sure we’re all on the same page and lined up correctly. I don’t want us to have any mishaps or communication issues when we’re on the field. You need that alpha at the safety position. I’m not scared to communicate.

JM: I want to talk a little about your durability as well. You appeared in 52 games for Kansas State, tied for 11th-most in program history. You started 41 consecutive games to end your college career. That’s pretty remarkable.

VJ Payne: Durability is a big thing. Availability is your best ability. That’s what I hear. I take great care of my body. I do extra work when it comes to recovery and stretching. I’m always meeting those extra requirements to make sure I’m getting my body ready for the next game.

If I’m banged up, I get my body back right through hydration and nutrition. I always want to play the next game.

JM: You’re leaving a legacy at Kansas State. You played four seasons, more than 50 games played. That’s pretty unheard of in the NIL transfer portal era. What kept you at Kansas State?

VJ Payne: Honestly, the culture and the coaching staff. The locker room is another big one. We had some fantastic people in the locker room with me throughout my four seasons. I’ll never forget those guys. Some of them will be in my wedding someday.

We went about our work every day, the right way. It’s a blue-collar university. Nothing is given to you. I had to earn everything. I loved that mindset. That’s what kept me there. It’s where I wanted to be.

JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL safety, who would you choose and why? Is there anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?

VJ Payne: I like to watch Jalen Pitre, and Nick Emmanwori with the Seattle Seahawks. I love watching their tape. Those two guys are doing great in the league right now. Pitre was amazing in that playoff game against the Steelers.

Emmanwori might win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Those guys are definitely high on my list when it comes to studying their tape. I pay attention to their game and try to apply it to mine.

JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for VJ Payne?

VJ Payne: A successful Senior Bowl means I improved my pre-draft stock at the end of the day. It’s an opportunity for me to help myself out in front of NFL coaches, both on and off the field, through practice and interviews. I’m excited to showcase how much of a competitor I am.