Gang Green Nation
Taking a look at a Jets defensive line prospect
The New York Jets recently signed former Clemson defensive tackle Payton Page as an undrafted free agent. Today we break Page down in detail.
The 22-year old Page is listed at 6’4” and 300 pounds and was a third team all-ACC selection last season. He recorded 69 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in four years with the Tigers.
Background
Page was a four star high school recruit, who joined Clemson in 2021 after his senior season was cancelled due to the pandemic. He had four tackles in a reserve role as a true freshman.
In 2022 and 2023, he had a more regular rotational role but did not start any games as he had 24 tackles and five tackles for loss across those two seasons.
2024 saw Page named as a starter for the first time and he went on to start all 14 games as he earned all-ACC third team honors. He had a career high 36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and the first half-sack of his career.
Page was invited to the NFL scouting combine and the Shrine Bowl and was hopeful of hearing his name called in the late rounds of the 2025 NFL draft, but he was not selected.
After Page went undrafted, the Jets signed him to an undrafted free agency deal with $201,500 guaranteed.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Page brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Having been unable to play during the 2020 season due to the pandemic, Page gained weight and was surprised to learn that he was 395 pounds when he first weighed in at Clemson. From that time on, he has been dedicated to improving his diet and conditioning. By the end of his career he was closer to 300 pounds.
Page weighed in at 291 at the Senior Bowl, but he had intentionally bulked back up to 303 by the time of his pro day.
Page, who posted 27 bench press reps at his pro day, lacks length but showed good athleticism and explosiveness for his size with a 5.14 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day and above average vertical and broad jump numbers at the combine.
Usage
Page played the majority of his reps in four-man fronts as a conventional three-technique lineman at Clemson, but he also lined up as a nose tackle on a regular basis. He also had some reps as a five technique and even had a few snaps lined up outside each season.
Motor
Page has a reputation as someone with a good motor who will battle hard in the trenches and also displays hustle in pursuit.
With his first opportunity to prove he can handle a starter’s workload in 2024, Page played 50 or more snaps in five different games.
Pass rush
Page shows flashes of disruptiveness as a pass rusher. He has a good get-off and...
