Jets UDFA quickly emerging as the hidden gem of training camp

Every year, it seems like at least one undrafted rookie forces his way into the roster conversation. This summer, that player for the New York Jets might be defensive tackle Payton Page.

The former Clemson defensive lineman has quietly emerged as one of the breakout stars of Jets training camp. Signed as a UDFA after the 2025 NFL Draft, Page has strung together a series of standout practices, earning praise from multiple reporters in the process.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Monday that Page has emerged as "an under-the-radar guy [who's] jumped out in camp." Just two days earlier, Jets X Factor's Nick Faria remarked how Page was "fantastic" in practice on Saturday, blowing up multiple run plays and even drawing a holding penalty.

His performance is turning heads in a very thin defensive tackle room, and there's a real chance Page can push for a roster spot come September.

Payton Page is making an early push to make the Jets' roster

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman was once a four-star recruit who bided his time as he was buried on a loaded Clemson defensive line. He finally received an opportunity to start last season, earning third-team All-ACC honors and finishing the year with 32 tackles and 0.5 sacks.

Despite modest college production, Page’s tape showed more than the box score. He finished last season with a strong 74.0 Pro Football Focus grade, including a top-35 mark in run defense among FBS defensive tackles with 500+ snaps. His size, athleticism, and technique give him a legitimate shot to stick around.

The good news is that Page’s path to a spot on the roster is wide open. Outside of All-Pro Quinnen Williams, the Jets have question marks across their defensive tackle rotation.

Veterans like Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart, and Jay Tufele offer experience, but little upside. Leonard Taylor III is coming off a promising UDFA rookie season, and former Commanders second-round pick Phidarian Mathis is looking for a career resurgence. None of the options outside of Williams are particularly appealing.

Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski recently named Page as the Jets’ most likely undrafted free agent to make the 53-man roster. There are reps to be earned, and Page is taking advantage.

It’s still early, but the signs are promising. If Page keeps stacking practices like this, the Jets may just have found a hidden gem to plug into their defensive tackle rotation.

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