The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Jacob Parrish in the third round of last year’s NFL Draft, and the move paid dividends.
Parrish looks like a cornerstone defensive player for the Buccaneers. He ranked as PFF’s No. 32 cornerback and recorded two interceptions as a rookie.
He more than proved the Bucs right for drafting him last year, and they could return the favor by drafting his college teammate in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Buccaneers should target Kansas State safety VJ Payne in 2026 NFL Draft
Chemistry is an under-the-radar factor in the success of a unit. While it’s intangible, it goes a long way for a team to have a locker room that is in sync with each other.
If Tampa Bay selects Kansas State safety VJ Payne on Day 3, he’ll have immediate chemistry with Parrish which will help him get acclimated quickly to the scheme.
In Dane Brugler’s annual draft analysis, known as The Beast, he shed some light on Payne and Parrish’s relationship.
“Payne became close friends with cornerback Jacob Parrish, his roommate at KSU,” wrote Brugler.
If the Buccaneers draft Payne, it’ll be more than just a feel good story.
The 6-foot-3 safety recorded four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a sack during his college career.
His height, combined with his 34-inch arms would give the Bucs safety room an added dimension. The starters. Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith are 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10, respectively.
He’s the most athletic safety in this draft class, with a 9.86 Relative Athletic Score that ranks 18th out of 1,242 safety prospects dating back to 1987.
VJ Payne is a SS prospect in the 2026 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.86 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 18 out of 1242 SS from 1987 to 2026.
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 27, 2026
Pending agilities and bench, splits projected.https://t.co/AyTcjPdlvs pic.twitter.com/nnALHQZuMy
Along with his elite athleticism, he’s highly regarded for his high football IQ and versatility, with the ability to play both safety spots and even in the slot.
He has all the tools to give the secondary depth a massive boost, and his close relationship with Jacob Parrish is the cherry on top of a perfect draft fit for the Buccaneers.
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