The Chiefs are likely going to lose two safeties to free agency this coming offseason, one of them being starter Chammari Connor. In round five, they grab a backup and special teams player that could take over as a starter next season, and that’s VJ Payne from Kansas State.

Payne is a big safety (6’3 and 210 pounds), but that size doesn’t slow him down (4.4-second forty). He had a strong Senior Bowl showing, which isn’t surprising. Teams that targeted him in the passing game over his career suffered a 60.6 passer rating for it. He is a nightmare matchup for tight ends in man coverage, and he comes up and tackles well in the running game.

Physicality is an issue for Payne, who is a true run support safety, but plays like a coverage safety. He is also a weak tackler in the open field if an opponent makes it to the second level. Payne’s weaknesses are fixable with good coaching, and he could be the Chiefs’ starting safety in 2027.