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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Jordan Payton of UCLA

By Michael Chavez

Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Payton (9) signals during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Payton (9) signals during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. UCLA won 56-30. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Go Joe Bruin continues coverage of the NFL draft as we profile former UCLA Football wide receiver Jordan Payton.

2016 NFL Draft Profile: Jordan Payton #9-UCLA

Santa Monica, CA

The Upside

A very solid possession receiver, Jordan Payton is the epitome of a chain mover. Gains separation through body position and being more physical than his opponents.

Can drag would be tacklers for a few extra yards after contact and can break through tackles. He has incredibly strong hands and snatches the ball away from his body. Although not a burner, can get behind defenses with his long stride.

Tracks the ball very well over his shoulder. Finds the soft spots in zones but is capable of winning in man coverage. Will become a quick security blanket for a quarterback. A very willing and punishing blocker in the run game.

“Has some polished skills. Could end up being a contributor for sure” NFL.com’s

Matt Harmon

, author of the Reception Perception.

The Improvements Needed

Does not play to his timed speed. Does not accelerate off the line quickly and builds to his top speed rather than being sudden.

Runs solid routes but needs to make them crisper, a product of not being a twitchy receiver. Despite having experience as a punt returner, does not offer value as a return man meaning he will have to earn a roster spot on receiver talent alone.

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Vital Stats

Position-WR
Height-6’1”
Weight-207lbs
Arm Length- 32 ½”
Hand Size-10 1/8”

Combine Stats

Grade-5.15
3 cone drill-7.08
40-4.47 secs
Vert- 34.5”
Broad Jump- 121”
2015 Stats
78 catches for 1,105 yards, 5 touchdowns. UCLA all-time leader in receptions (201).
NFL Draft Projections

Walterfootball.com-Round 6 Selection #216, Dallas Cowboys
NFL.com-Round 7 Selection #232, Washington Redskins

Final Analysis

Payton is a solid all around receiver who can have a long NFL career. The coaches at UCLA thought highly enough of him to have him room with freshman quarterback Josh Rosen and the chemistry showed off during this past season.

Is a more well-rounded prospect than former UCLA receiver Shaq Evans but is not nearly as explosive. Will be a redzone target but has to prove he’s more than just that. Based on what I see on film from Payton, I see a very capable number 2 receiver who could easily outplay his draft slot. Because he doesn’t have great top end playing speed, he will drop.

Next: Sports Illustrated Has 3 Bruins Going in the First 3 Rounds

Final Grade: 5th to 6th round.