Next up is Patrick Payton, the defensive end transfer from Florida State.
WHAT WE KNOW: Payton was seriously productive as a Seminole. In his sophomore season, he helped Florida State go unbeaten in the regular season by making 14.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and amassing seven sacks.
For his career, he’s got 31.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks. For reference, Barkevious Mingo became the sixth overall pick by making 29 tackles for loss and totaling 15 sacks.
Payton is 6-foot-5 and 250 lbs. He’s got long limbs and the ability to bend the edge. Since he was a Top 10 defensive end in the country coming out of high school, everyone has seen his raw ability.
Patrick Payton Strip Sack (BEND) pic.twitter.com/WElBQIHyAJ
— Clay Fink (@clay_fink) April 30, 2024
However, 2024 was a disappointment. Jared Verse moved on to the NFL, and Payton was assumed to be “the guy”. He only managed four sacks, and three came in one game against Cal.
THE FIT: LSU’s defensive end group loses Bradyn Swinson, Sai’vion Jones and DaShawn Womack. Back are Gabriel Reliford and Dylan Carpenter. So, LSU went heavy in the transfer portal. Jack Pyburn comes from Florida. Jimari Butler comes from Nebraska, and Payton comes over from Florida State.
To me, Payton clearly represents the highest ceiling on the roster.
Patrick Payton huge sack, he might be ready to step up once Verse is gone pic.twitter.com/A2Dnq4m6FC
— Jad Kurosaki (@sIotreceiver) September 23, 2023
Kevin Peoples took Swinson and Jones to another level. If he can do that with Payton, look out. Pyburn is a force against the run. Butler has been a solid player at Nebraska. Reliford has real potential. Payton’s production and physical traits simply trump the rest of LSU defensive ends.
I think Payton plays Swinson’s role in the 2025 defense.
HUNT’S PROJECTION: Payton had seven sacks on a team with realistic national title hopes. He had four, three in one game, on a team with no hope after week three. Maybe those two are related. Maybe he just shrunk when Verse and Braden Fiske left for the NFL.
Patrick Payton with the sack.
FSU Defense is playing well. pic.twitter.com/rlbU3JnwEb
— NMD Grant (@NMDgrant) September 14, 2024
It’s hard to rush the passer when you’re losing every Saturday. If LSU can play to its potential in 2025 and get some leads, Payton can become the feared rusher every great team has.
I think Payton is an elite talent, and I think he’s going to have a monster 2025. I’ll project nine sacks and 15 tackles for loss.
Payton is my favorite transfer in the class.
