Tennessee football: Ranking Vols by pro potential for 2022 NFL Draft
Wide receiver. 6. player. Pick Analysis. 839. Scouting Report. Nashville, Tenn.. JaVonta Payton
6’0″ 175 pounds
After transferring from the Mississippi State Bulldogs, JaVonta Payton shockingly worked his way into the No. 2 wideout opposite Cedric Tillman for Tennessee football last year. His production per touch is enough to make him an NFL prospect despite being undersized.
Payton caught just 18 passes on the year, but he took six of them to the house for touchdowns and gained 413 yards receiving on the year. His yards and touchdowns per catch have to count for something, and while playing in Josh Heupel’s system helped, you have to believe he just knows how to gain lots of yards on such plays.
Enter his physical attributes. Despite no NFL Combine invite, Payton has been able to prove in other ways what he brings to the table. Despite his size, Draft Scout lists his 40-time at 4.45, faster than the average for pro receivers, and his 33-inch vertical is in the necessary range.
As a result, Payton meets the minimum requirements to be a pro receiver and in some cases is a bit better than the average, and his production proves he can do it. Taking those things into account, he’s likely to be signed by somebody and will have a chance to prove himself, so don’t be surprised if he emerges in the next couple years.