NFL draft expert says league is going to regret letting Jets get seventh-round steal

The New York Jets 2025 draft class continues to age fairly poorly, with only two of the Jets' seven draft picks expected to play major roles in 2026. Darren Mougey had to do better in this year's draft, and so far, the early returns have been good.

New York received rave reviews for their 2026 draft class, and it certainly helps that it picked three players in the first round. But can any Day 3 draft picks carve out a role for themselves in their rookie season?

When looking at the Jets roster, one position group sticks out more than any other that could see a rookie break through and possibly steal a role from a veteran, and that's at safety.

Could the Jets' seventh-round draft pick, safety VJ Payne, force the coaching staff's hand and make a name for himself in 2026?

Jets' VJ Payne tabbed as one of the biggest sleepers taken in Round 7

Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo compiled a list of seventh-round draft picks that opposing NFL teams are going to regret letting slide right past them, and Payne was one of the first names mentioned.

"We've appreciated VJ Payne as a prospect since watching him put forth an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. A 42-game starter and team captain at Kansas State, he displayed communication and leadership skills in Mobile. Payne was productive for the Wildcats, recording more than 200 career tackles. He's a little high-hipped at 6-foot-3, but routinely displayed the versatility to play near the line of scrimmage, as a nickel defender, or in more traditional split-safety looks."

Justin Melo

At Kansas State last season, Payne was the 239th-best safety in college football according to Pro Football Focus. Despite that, his frame and skillset make him a tantalizing developmental prospect in New York.

Maybe he won't be starting games for the Jets in 2026, but it is entirely possible he could have a role.

Outside of Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Jets' safety depth consists of veterans Andre Cisco and Dane Belton, with 2025 fourth-round pick Malachi Moore, who had an up-and-down rookie season.

Fitzpatrick, by his own admission, says he'll be playing some nickel cornerback in 2026, requiring one of these safeties to at least rotate in and out now and then.

If Payne can prove himself throughout the summer in OTAs and training camp, maybe he could be one of those rotational players.

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