Two former Kansas State standouts are heading to Indianapolis later this month, where they'll look to turn heads at the NFL Scouting Combine - one of the biggest stages for prospects hoping to make the leap to the next level.
Offensive lineman Sam Hecht and safety VJ Payne have both earned invitations to the event, and each brings a unique skill set that has NFL teams paying close attention.
Let’s start with Hecht - a 6-foot-4, 300-pound center who anchored K-State’s offensive line and consistently held his own in the trenches. A Shawnee native and Mill Valley High School product, Hecht developed into one of the Big 12’s top linemen during his senior season.
His performance at the Senior Bowl only solidified that reputation. He showed scouts he could handle top-tier defensive talent, and his combination of size, strength, and intelligence at the pivot makes him a legitimate draft riser heading into the combine.
Centers don’t always get the spotlight, but Hecht’s tape speaks volumes. He’s technically sound, rarely caught off balance, and plays with the kind of poise you want from the guy calling protections up front. NFL teams looking for a plug-and-play interior lineman will be watching his workouts closely - especially the agility drills and positional work that showcase footwork and hand placement.
On the other side of the ball, VJ Payne is another Wildcat with momentum. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound safety tallied 40 tackles and an interception in his final season at K-State, and like Hecht, he made the most of his Senior Bowl opportunity. Payne’s game is built on speed - the kind that jumps off the screen and will no doubt be tested in a big way at the combine.
Scouts will be watching his 40-yard dash time, of course, but Payne’s range and fluidity in coverage are just as important. He’s got the frame to match up with tight ends and the quickness to stick with slot receivers. That versatility is a big asset in today’s NFL, where safeties are asked to do a little bit of everything - cover, hit, and diagnose plays in real time.
Both Hecht and Payne have a chance to boost their draft stock even further in Indianapolis. The combine is as much about confirming what teams have already seen on tape as it is about uncovering hidden upside. For two players coming off strong collegiate careers and impressive Senior Bowl weeks, it’s another opportunity to prove they belong.
Kansas State fans should be keeping a close eye on the proceedings. These two Wildcats are on the cusp of making the jump - and the combine could be the next big step toward hearing their names called on draft night.