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Payne Durham

Payne Durham Player Profile

Summary

Payne Durham was selected in the 5th round (171st overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay Buccaneers He played his college football at Purdue University, where over his senior season (2022) he caught 56 passes for 560 yards and 8 touchdowns. NFL Draft Buzz During his Purdue career, he was recognized for his production (he was a Mackey Award semi-finalist) and reliability in both the passing game and as a mover in space. Gold and Black According to Pro-Football-Reference, he has registered 16 career NFL receptions for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns (as of the latest). Pro Football Reference At Purdue, he earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2022. Known for his large frame, long catch radius, and strong hands, Durham brings a balanced mix of receiving and blocking ability. His character is often described as high-effort, team-oriented, and coachable, with a willingness to take on multiple roles (inline, slot) in the offense. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Strengths

  • Large catch radius & soft hands: Durham’s 6′6″ frame and long arms give him a big target, and he consistently snares throws outside his frame. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Red-zone threat: Very effective in the red zone, using size and body control to shield defenders and make contested receptions. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Quick release vs. linebacker coverage: Shows the ability to get off the line cleanly and run functional routes to create separation. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Run-blocking ability: Can move defenders, both in-line and on the move, showing willingness and technique as a blocker. Gold and Black

  • Good athletic traits: According to combine / pro-day data, Durham ran a 4.87 40-yard dash, demonstrating solid speed for his size. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Proven production in college: Steady year-over-year receiving growth, culminating in strong senior season (56 catches, 8 TDs). NFL Draft Buzz

  • Leadership and competitiveness: Known for being a reliable, high-effort player; coaches value his work ethic and team-first mentality. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Weaknesses

  • Limited elite speed / separation burst: While adequate, he doesn’t have explosive separation ability to blow past defenders consistently. Gold and Black

  • Lacks elite flexibility in space: Not the most fluid in his hips; change-of-direction and sharp cuts can be more challenging versus agile defenders. Gold and Black

  • Blocking technique inconsistency: While he can block, some scouts note he doesn’t always fully leverage his body or maintain optimal hand placement. Gold and Black

  • Positional ceiling risk: He may project more as a traditional “Y” or in-line tight end rather than an all-field, F-tight end due to athletic limitations. Gold and Black

  • Relatively limited usage in pro-level passing offense (so far): As a mid-round rookie, his snap share and target volume may initially be modest, limiting early impact.

Fit & Outlook

Payne Durham is best suited for offenses that employ a balanced tight end role — one that values both in-line blocking and intermediate receiving. He fits well in systems that run two-tight-end sets or use “move” TEs in the slot, particularly where his size, catch radius, and red-zone savvy can be leveraged. He’s not a pure deep-threat, but in a scheme that emphasizes positional versatility and physicality, he can fill multiple roles (Y-tight end, H-back, in-line blocker) effectively.

Over the next few years, Durham has the potential to develop into a reliable second tight end or even a TE1, depending on opportunity. His ceiling includes being a consistent contributor in the red zone and on short-to-intermediate throws, while his floor is as a dependable, rotational TE who provides both blocking value and a big catch radius. With continued refinement of his route running and blocking technique, he could carve out a long-term role in the NFL as a multidimensional tight end.