Former Virginia Tech defensive linemen getting some pre-NFL Draft hype

The 2024 NFL Draft is later this month in Detroit, Michigan from April 25-27. This season, a lot of the pre-draft talk has been about the quarterbacks that are available and there are some good ones. Some other players will get some hype as the draft gets closer and one former Virginia Tech defensive lineman is already getting more pre-draft hype this month after getting some last month.

At Virginia Tech's Pro Day last month, one name that began circulating who had a good day was defensive lineman Pheldarius Payne. Last fall he was good for the Hokies and used his explosiveness to his advantage to torment quarterbacks and opposing teams.

He finished the season with 31 tackles, 10 solos, four sacks, and a forced fumble. His best game was when the Hokies needed it the most in the regular season final at Virginia. Needing a win to become bowl-eligible, Payne was in on seven tackles as the Virginia Tech defense held the Cavaliers to 17 points in a 55-17 blowout.

At the Pro Day last month in Blacksburg, Payne impressed some scouts and reporters by running a 4.85 40-yard dash and he had a 31' verticle. A lot of NFL mock drafts have him going in the later rounds and Ryan Fowler from the Draft Network says that Payne "Should be on your NFL Draft radar.''

There is no doubt that Payne had a good 2023 season and playing for Brent Pry and Chris Marve helped him develop into a potential NFL Draft pick later this month. It might take a day or two, but don't be surprised to hear his name called for the weekend is over in Detroit.