Name: Payton Minnich
College: Monmouth
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 255
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Payton: Physical, Smart, and Versatile.
Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?
Payton: I was training with the head strength coach at my school prior to the pro day, and since that has passed I’ve continued working, but it’s more on my own now.
Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?
Payton: Patrick Willis, because I try and impact the game in both the rushing and pass like he did. All while playing with that relentless and aggressive style of play that he brought to the game.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
Payton: When I am watching film I am either rewatching previous games of myself trying to find areas where I need to improve, or I am looking at an upcoming opponent trying to find anything that will allow me to play to the best of my ability in that upcoming game.
Q: What separates you from other players at your position?
Payton: I think the main thing that separates me from other players at my position is my ability to play any of the linebacker positions. I have played both inside and outside linebacker during my college career and I am comfortable in both spots.
Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Payton: Abilities that I would bring to a NFL team is the ability to play at multiple positions on the field and off the field, I am always trying to find ways that will allow me to become a better player.
Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
Payton: My final sales pitch to any NFL team looking at me would be that I feel like I have been overlooked and doubted at many points in my career, and because of that, I push myself to prove everyone that has ever doubted me wrong. And the doubters haven’t been right yet.