Former Virginia Tech DL Pheldarius Payne signing with AFC South team

Leading into the 2024 NFL Draft, one name that some experts were putting out there as a player to watch was Virginia Tech defensive lineman Pheldarius Payne. He had an impressive Pro Day at Virginia Tech, which put him on a lot of the team's radar.

He ended up drawing interest ahead of the draft, including the New York Giants who he had a Top 30 visit with. In the end, 257 pikcs were made over the last three days and Payne, who had a good final season in Blacksburg in 2023, went undrafted. Following the draft Saturday night, it was reported that Payne is going to sign with an AFC South team.

Pheldarius Payne to sign with the Houston Texans

According to Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report and The Draft Network, Payne is going to sign as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans, who are coming off one of their better seasons in a while as they made a late push to win the AFC South Division.

Last season, Payne had 31 tackles for the Hokies, 10 solos, four sacks, and a forced fumble. He was part of a defense that played very well last season once ACC play began and was part of the reason under defensive coordinator Chris Marve that helped Virginia Tech become bowl-eligible with a 5-3 conference record.

Houston had nine selections in the 2024 Draft and drafted Marcus Harris from Auburn in the seventh round and USC Edge Solomon Boyd. Regardless, it's good to see Payne get rewarded for his strong season and signing with the Texans. The real work for the Virginia native begins now.