Jordan Payton, WR, UCLA: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Jordan Payton entered his senior year at UCLA as the number one receiving target for freshman QB Josh Rosen. Payton caught five touchdowns and a career high 1,105 receiving yards his senior year. He caught for over 950 yards his junior year, in break out season where he hauled in seven touchdowns and doubled the receiving yards of the next leading receiver Devin Fuller.

A starter in all 13 games his last two seasons at UCLA, Payton proved himself as one of the nation’s top receivers. He’s UCLA’s all-time leading receiver with 201 receptions and over 2,500 receiving yards in four years.

Measurables

Height: 6′ 1

Weight: 216 lbs

40-yard dash: 4.54

Strengths

Payton is a wide receiver who isn’t afraid to block downfield. At UCLA, Payton played a key role blocking on run plays, bubble screens and quick slants, opening up holes and contributing to yards after the catch. Payton’s ability to be a vertical passing threat and his enthusiasm to contribute as a downfield blocker are two traits NFL scouts would like to see in a player.

Averaging five to six catches per game throughout his last two seasons, Payton ‘s highlight reels consistently show his awareness on the field even when the play isn’t near him.

Weaknesses

Although Payton has the hands to catch wayward passes and the broad shoulders to position himself in front of defenders, his lack of speed for a receiver is a reality that will affect his draft stock. Payton has a slyness about him which NFL scouts say allow him to weasel behind defenders. He’ll hope teams look past his potential average 40 time at the NFL Combine and take note to his hands and mental attributes.

Team Fits

Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans

Final Thoughts

Payton has always had his mind-set on playing football and that love for the game will keep him dedicated to take on the responsibility and preparation that come along with being an NFL athlete. Payton’s high football IQ outweighs what he might lack in speed. His alert and animated personality on every down is noticeable on tape and those intangibles are beneficial to success at the professional level.