Pyburn is a muscular outside linebacker with short arms and unremarkable athleticism. He’s been a non-factor as a pass rusher during his career, but he gets after it as a run defender. Pyburn has some heat in his hands, jarring blockers and playing off of them to make tackles in his vicinity, but his lack of length will make it tougher to set edges against longer NFL tackles. As a backup with a lack of rush and cover talent, special teams will need to become his money-maker to stay in the league.
Fifth-year senior with three years of starting experience between Florida State and LSU. Payton is a linear mover with long limbs and adequate foot quickness. He lacks decisiveness at the point of attack and will struggle to stand firm against NFL drive blockers. Payton has enough burst to create opportunities at the corners, provided he continues to refine his hand work. His inside rush transitions are fluid and will be even more effective if he brings his edge rush to greater life. Payton’s traits give him a chance to become a backup with average upside.
