FSU football: 16 players who could be selected in 2025 NFL Draft
By Kelvin Hunt
Patrick Payton
Oh, wait, another high school player developed by the coaching staff. Redshirt junior Patrick Payton has developed nicely since winning the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2022. He got thrust into action after Jared Verse went down with an injury in the Louisville game. He recorded 31 tackles, six tackles for a loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups. Payton started all 14 games in 2023 and recorded 44 tackles, 14.5 for loss, seven sacks, seven QB hurries, and 10 batted balls.
Payton was Honorable Mention All-ACC. Payton has outstanding length and has added about 15 pounds to his frame since last year. He checks in at 6'5" and 254 pounds and should have a monster year in 2024. I'll be looking to see how he holds up against the run and what his production looks like without Jared Verse on the opposite side. Can he take that next step as a premier pass rusher? If so, he could be the next FSU defensive end to go early in the draft.