Virginia Tech defensive lineman Ferdarius Payne has been named by some experts as a player to watch in the lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft. He had an impressive pro day at Virginia Tech and caught the attention of his team.
He ended up drawing interest ahead of the draft, including a top-30 visit from the New York Giants. In the end, 257 picks were made in the past three days, and Payne, who had a good final season in Blacksburg in 2023, went undrafted. After Saturday night's draft, it was reported that Payne was planning to sign with a team in the AFC South.
According to Ryan Fowler Bleacher Report and Draft Network Payne is expected to sign with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. The Houston Texans are finishing off a good season for the first time in a long while, making a late-game attack to win the AFC South.
Last season, Payne had 31 tackles, 10 solo, four sacks and one forced fumble for the Hokies. He was part of a defense that played very well once ACC play began last season, helping Virginia Tech qualify for bowls with a 5-3 conference record under defensive coordinator Chris Marbe. This was one of the reasons why it contributed to
Houston had nine picks in the 2024 draft, taking Marcus Harris from Auburn and USC edge Solomon Boyd in the seventh round. Either way, it's good to see Payne rewarded for his strong season and contract with the Texans. The real work begins now for the Virginia native.
