While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have certainly addressed some key needs on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, it is still the Bucs' most glaring issue heading into the draft. While they have added linebacker Alex Anzalone and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad, the secondary leaves much to be desired.
Safety especially could be the Buccaneers target in this month's draft, as the Bucs could really use some more experience on the back end. One player they are currently rumored to be linked with comes from a familiar school, and one that has given them developmental prospects before.
While Kansas State's VJ Payne is not the most athletic safety in this year's draft, he makes a lot of sense as a potential late Day 3 pick. With Payne as an insurance plan however, the Bucs need to ensure that their first round pick is just as integral to the long term success of the team as Payne is.
In terms of Payne's key traits, he has the athleticism and length to truly thrive in Todd Bowles' system. In fact, he scored a 9.86 on the RAS scale, displaying a well rounded skill set that could translate well to the NFL. Add in the fact that he is 6-3 and has 34 inch arms, and the appeal is there.
The one true weakess in Payne's game may sometimes be a lack of aggression, especially in run support. Still, his willingness to attack downhill is exactly what Bowles could be looking for in a secondary that thrives on getting into the box. His 4.40 speed speaks for itself as well.
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
Most importantly, Payne would not be the only former Kansas State Wildcat to be on the team. Jacob Parrish ended up being a late round draft gem for the Bucs last year and is primed to receive a bigger role in the corner room. With both players having unique skillsets, they could pair perfectly in terms of familiarity and versatility.
When the Buccaneers look towards the bottom of the draft, there may be no player better suited to their style of football than VJ Payne. He will almost certainly be a player that fans can get behind, as well as root for. Also, he maintains a pipeline between Kansas State and the Buccaneers that could pay off in the future.
Payne may not jump out as the most appealing prospect on the Bucs' radar, but he could end up being their most pivotal.